Senior Manager, Vendor Management Digital Transformation

Senior Manager, Vendor Management Digital Transformation

This role is a strategic leadership position responsible for transforming vendor management into a data-driven, digitally enabled function. The Senior Manager will own the design and execution of automation, data architecture, and advanced analytics initiatives to enhance commercial visibility, operational scalability, and decision-making across the vendor ecosystem.

The position requires a combination of vendor management domain expertise, strong data and systems capability, and the ability to lead cross-functional digital transformation initiatives at a regional or global level.

Key Responsibilities

• Digital Strategy and Transformation Leadership
• Define and execute the digital transformation roadmap for vendor management, focusing on automation, data integration, and advanced analytics.
• Own the transition from manual, fragmented workflows to scalable, system-driven processes across the vendor lifecycle.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across IT, Product, Finance, and Commercial and Operation Team to align digital initiatives with broader business and commercial objectives.

Data Architecture and Analytics Ownership

• Design and oversee vendor data architecture, ensuring structured, scalable, and reliable data across multiple systems.
• Lead the development of advanced dashboards and real-time reporting frameworks to provide visibility into vendor performance, cost drivers, and commercial trends.
• Translate complex datasets into actionable insights to support strategic planning, cost optimization, and performance improvement.

Automation and Systems Integration

• Drive end-to-end automation of vendor management processes, including sourcing, quoting, cost book, performance tracking, and reporting.
• Collaborate with IT and solution architecture teams to implement integrated systems and APIs that enhance data flow and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate and implement digital tools and platforms (e.g., Jira, CRM systems, vendor platforms) to standardize and optimize workflows.
• Commercial Insights and Decision Support
• Provide data-driven insights to senior management on vendor performance, spend optimization, and risk exposure.
• Develop predictive models and trend analyses to support demand planning, vendor strategy, and financial forecasting.
• Ensure transparency and accuracy of vendor-related financial and operational data used in business decision-making.

Governance, Data Integrity, and Risk Management

• Establish governance frameworks to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance across all vendor systems.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies and external regulatory requirements related to data management and vendor operations.
• Identify risks in data, systems, and processes, and implement mitigation and control measures.

Change Management and Adoption

• Lead change management initiatives to drive adoption of digital tools and new ways of working within vendor management and related functions.
• Develop training frameworks and user enablement strategies to ensure effective utilization of systems and analytics tools.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Continuously assess existing processes, tools, and data structures to identify opportunities for optimization and innovation.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and best practices in data analytics, automation, and vendor management.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• Strong expertise in vendor management frameworks, including performance metrics, cost structures, and governance models.
• Advanced capabilities in data analytics, dashboard design, AI and system tools.
• Solid understanding of data architecture, database management, and system integration,including SQL and scripting tools.
• Proven ability to design and implement automated workflows across enterprise systems and platforms.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to link data insights to financial and operational outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing senior leaders and cross-functional teams. Strong communication skills in English; Chinese or additional languages are advantageous.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Data Science, Business Intelligence, or a related discipline.\
• Minimum 8 years of experience across vendor management, data/AI, or digital transformation roles, with clear ownership of automation and analytics initiatives.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale process automation, data transformation, or system integration projects.
• Hands-on experience in building and managing reporting platforms, dashboards, and data pipelines supporting business-critical decisions.
• Experience working in complex, cross-functional environments with regional or global scope.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies, project delivery frameworks, and change management practices.
• Relevant certifications in data analytics, project management, or digital transformation are advantageous.
• Candidates with less relevant experience demonstrate exceptional capability and potential will be considered for the Manager grade.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel and support global stakeholders as required.
• Flexibility to operate across time zones in a dynamic business environment.