IT Vendor Management Portfolio Manager

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The IT Vendor Management Portfolio Manager at Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the value derived from vendor-enabled IT solutions, which are increasingly integral to HUIT's service delivery. This position involves collaborating closely with vendor management teammates, procurement colleagues, and service owners to oversee a portfolio of key IT vendors that provide essential technology solutions, products, and services to support the organization's IT infrastructure and needs. The manager will be responsible for managing vendor relationships, performance, spend, contracts, and service level agreements across the portfolio to ensure operational excellence and maximize value from IT vendors. In this role, the IT Vendor Management Portfolio Manager will apply their expertise in vendor management processes, negotiation, and analytical skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders. The position requires a strong commitment to service excellence and a desire to make a significant impact in a high-standard environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate creativity, self-motivation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting, showcasing thought leadership and curiosity. Key responsibilities include applying contracting expertise to analyze, structure, and negotiate complex vendor agreements, leading contract negotiations for favorable terms, and developing strategic relationships with assigned IT vendors. The manager will partner with university subject matter experts to ensure compliance with university policies and applicable laws, provide reporting on vendor performance and spend analytics, and proactively monitor vendor service level agreements and key performance indicators. Additionally, the role involves participating in defining and implementing a university-wide IT vendor strategy and staying updated on emerging technologies to advise on vendor capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Apply contracting expertise to analyze, structure, and negotiate complex vendor agreements for IT products and services.
• Lead contract negotiations for favorable terms, pricing, and contractual agreements.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with assigned IT vendor portfolio.
• Partner with university subject matter experts to ensure compliance with university policies and applicable laws.
• Provide reporting on IT vendor performance, spend analytics, and risk management to identify areas for cost optimization.
• Conduct, facilitate, lead, and support regular business reviews with vendors to evaluate performance and address issues.
• Proactively monitor vendor service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure compliance.
• Participate in defining and implementing a HUIT-wide IT vendor strategy.
• Identify new IT solutions and conduct procurement activities as needed.
• Continuously coordinate with key business stakeholders to understand technology needs and ensure vendor alignment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant work experience.
• Working knowledge of common IT products, services, and technologies.

Nice-to-haves

• MBA or Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills.
• Advanced financial operations principles.
• Experience managing portfolios of strategic IT vendors and technology suppliers.
• Proficiency with IT service management systems, analytics tools, and contract management applications.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment with flexibility in work location.
• Professional development opportunities through HUIT's IT Academy.
• Access to a collaborative and innovative workplace culture.