IT Vendor Manager (Remote)

About SANSSANS Institute (SANS) launched in 1989 as a cooperative for information security thought leadership, it is SANS’ ongoing mission to empower cyber security professionals with the practical skills and knowledge they need to make our world a safer place. We fuel this effort with high quality training, certifications, scholarship academies, degree programs, cyber ranges, and resources to meet the needs of every cyber professional. Our data, research, and the top minds in cybersecurity collectively ensure that individuals and organizations have the actionable education and support they need.

Join the SANS TeamAt SANS, our culture is defined by Mission, Brand, People. Our goal is to hire people who understand the importance of continuing to fight against the cyber security threats (Mission) while delivering the highest quality training (Brand) to our students. We want employees whose personal values align well with our culture of fairness, honesty, customer focus, and pragmatic approach (People).

Summary of PositionWe are seeking an IT Vendor Manager to join our team within the IT-Technology Services business unit. This position will be responsible to facilitate, evaluate and maintain relationships with the vendors by negotiating contracts, creating standards, finding suitable vendors and serving as the organization’s point of contact for all vendor relationships while enabling IT to meet established goals and objectives. This position provides support to the organization by solving business challenges with vendor products and services, leading the vendor management process by working with key stakeholders to support purchasing, performing future vendor research, providing analysis and to support the overall procurement lifecycle. Working closely with the IT Finance and Enterprise Application teams, additional responsibilities include establishing security controls within vendor environments, assisting product owners with analysis/reporting of software licensing, and supporting the financial team to ensure purchases are accurate and fulfilled.

Key ResponsibilitiesGain reductions in software expenses through economies of scale, regular review to ensure proper "fit," pricing, and streamlined purchasing and procurement processesProvide visibility into IT spend through better forecasting, budgeting, and oversightEvaluate current vendors and analyze if they meet current company needsCancel contracts with vendors that are no longer neededOrganize and track all documentation between the organization and vendorsResolve vendor disputes or issues quickly and efficientlyNurture long-standing relationships with approved vendorsMeet with current vendors to assess their products or services, negotiate pricing, and communicate any product or service-related concernsResearch and establish relationships with new vendors and the onboarding vendor processEstablish standards and guidelines for vendors, monitoring to ensure standards are being followed.Administer full life cycle for vendor management processes, incorporating best practicesProven analytical skills and strategic thinkingDesign guidelines for vendors and utilizing common toolsPresent reporting and analysis of software licensingCollaborate with the Security team on gathering info for Risk AssessmentsManage SaaS Vendors in ProductiveOther job duties as assigned

Basic QualificationsDetail-oriented and possess excellent communication skillsAbility to multitask effectivelySelf-motivated/directed person who will embrace the role and drive changeStrong negotiation, management, and decision-making skillsExcellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skillsEffective written and verbal communication skillsOperational knowledge of RFP processesFamiliarity with cost managementOutstanding knowledge of service level agreementsAdministrative knowledge and provide technical expertise of enterprise application suites, including but not limited to Atlassian, Jira, Slack, MS Office, JAMF, KACE, Smartsheet, Service Now, Dropbox, Egnyte, Zoom, and other application

Reporting RelationshipsThis position will report to the IT Vendor Management Manager and has no direct reports.

Work EnvironmentRemote work environment with the ability to travel up to 10% of the time. There is a preference for the candidate to live in the Fredericksburg, VA area.

Equal Opportunity EmployerSANS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact SANS Human Resources.

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The base salary range for this position is between $90,000 and $110,000. Base salary ranges may vary by geographic location and relevant experience, education, certifications, and years of experience. There is no guarantee an offer will be at the top of the posted range based on the salary analysis.

In addition, SANS provides the following benefits:MedicalDentalVisionShort-Term Disability401(k) with company matchEmployee Assistance ProgramSupplemental Life Insurance and AD&DPaid Time OffCompany Paid HolidaysVolunteer Paid Time Off