IT Vendor Manager - ESO

About the role

The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain.

As the IT Vendor Manager you will be reporting to the Digital Supplier Partnership Senior Manager. You will be responsible for managing the IT Procurement demand, in collaboration with the Group Procurement function; strategic relationships with our IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and the full process of actioning renewals and changes to contracts through effective management of change control and the PO process.

You will take ownership of the process, define it and continue to enhance it, leading to a more streamlined and visible process where all parties can be held accountable, and which delivers clear value to the business. This includes building and managing the relationship with our delivery partners to ensure clear communication, continuous improvement and data is provided for all stakeholders, to allow key decisions to be made. Lead cost optimization, vendor portfolio review and value management initiatives to stay competitive.

The role is based out of Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from the office and home. Currently the team is operating on a typical pattern of 1-2 days per week in the office, depending on business and personal need. 

About us

At National Grid ESO, our mission is to meet the challenges of the future and deliver cleaner, affordable electricity. We constantly strive to do this better by using technology and innovation to transform the way we work.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system. 
 
The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them. 
 
The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all. 
 

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Key Accountabilities

• Set up technology services Vendor Management Frameworks covering Market Intelligence, Vendor Selection, Strategic Relationship Management, Governance, Contract management, Performance management, Financial Management, Risk Management and tracking of realised benefits to business cases. 
• Deliver Partner governance mechanisms to create strategic partnerships with “Best Fit” rather than “Best Bid” Vendors.
• Structuring & Negotiation of Master Service/Framework Agreements (MSA), SOWs & Managed Service contracts. 
• Deliver improvements to the process, making it streamlined and transparent, with clear accountabilities and reduced timelines. 
• Management of Technology Spend – embed approval process and spend analysis framework  
• Work with the business to capture and report contract changes, deliver purchase orders and provide invoice escalation management to enable prompt payment and accurate reporting
• Build and improve relationships with strategic partners. 
• Work with Partners to deliver accurate and standardised regular MI to the business. 
• Work with Workforce Planning Lead to ensure Partner MI is in sync with people data on MSP resources and supports resource planning activities
• Working with finance team to ensure Invoice Management Process is optimised and well-functioning for the organisation to ensure partners are paid on time, at the right cost and accountabilities for all parties are fully understood and adhered to.
• Ensuring demands are translated and represented into the contract negotiations process to represent value for money and focusing on the right outcomes for the organisation.

About you

• 360-degree experience with IT partners (systems and services) as the partnership management and buyer. 
• Extensive experience of vendor/contract management, specifically in the IT industry understanding and meeting compliance regulations. 
• Experience in delivering shifting contract management from role based approach to outcome based. 
• Good knowledge of Procurement management and regulation. 
• Production of key information, metrics relating to vendor management and contracts – cost portfolio, vendor portfolio review, value management etc. 
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Experience of delivering process improvement in a complex and regulatory environment
• The ability to work resiliently under pressure and meet deadlines 
• Excellent communications and influencing skills, and the ability to clearly present and discuss solutions at all levels. 
• Solutions-oriented and focused on continuous improvement 

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £52,000 – 65,000 – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. 
 

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

More information

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

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