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 Operations teams 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 optimisation 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 standardise and optimise workflows.
• Provide data driven insights to senior management on vendor performance, spend optimisation 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 utilisation 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 optimisation 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 eight 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 who 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.