IT Vendor Management Specialist

DataStaff, Inc. is currently seeking an IT Vendor Management Specialist for a long-term contract opportunity with one of our direct clients in Des Moines, IA.

*This position is hybrid; 1 day per week will be onsite

Job Description:

This position will play a key role in managing IT vendor relationships, ensuring contract compliance, and supporting strategic sourcing initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IT vendor management, contract oversight, and risk mitigation.

Minimum Qualification: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of two years of full-time relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• IT Vendor Relationship ManagementDevelop and maintain strong relationships with key IT vendors and service providers.
• Serve as the escalation point for vendor-related issues and disputes.
• Facilitate regular vendor performance and business reviews.
• IT Agreement & SLA OversightOversee negotiation, execution, and renewal of IT Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Ensure alignment with legal, financial, and operational standards.
• Monitor compliance with SLAs, KPIs, and contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to ensure enforceable and favorable contract terms.
• IT Financial & Risk ManagementTrack vendor spends and ensures alignment with IT budgets and forecasts.
• Identify and manage vendor-related risks, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and operational continuity.
• Support audits and compliance initiatives related to vendor engagements.
• Change and Issue ManagementLog and track vendor-related issues, escalations, and change requests.
• Coordinate resolution of service disruptions or contract disputes.
• Document change control approvals for IT services or infrastructure.
• Stakeholder CommunicationSchedule and document vendor meetings, demos, and onboarding sessions.
• Communicate vendor updates, risks, and contract changes to stakeholders.

Required Skills:

• 3 Years - Manage vendor relationships for software, hardware, cloud services, and IT consulting engagements.
• 3 Years - Experience tracking SLAs, KPIs, and risk metrics; initiating corrective actions for underperformance.
• 3 Years - Knowledge of IT procurement standards, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and accessibility.
• 3 Years - Ability to develop and maintain a strategic vendor portfolio aligned with the agency’s IT roadmap.
• 3 Years - Conduct market research to identify emerging technologies and qualified vendors.
• 3 Years - Benchmark vendor pricing and service levels against industry standards to ensure value for money.

This position is available on a corp-to-corp basis or as a W2 position with a competitive benefits package. DataStaff, Inc. offers medical, dental, and vision coverage options as well as paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave. As many of our opportunities are long-term, we also have a 401k program available for employees after 6 months