Program Manager, Hardware Vendor Management

As a Vendor Program Manager supporting end user and collaboration technology hardware, you will be accountable for leading the vendor strategy and relationships with EE’s strategic vendors in this space. Scope includes global client compute, displays, peripherals, mobile devices, and collaboration hardware.

You will serve as the bridge between the teams owning the strategy and operations of the function, procurement and the vendor. This role is expected to drive value for EE through vendor relationships (e.g. product roadmap influence, cost leverage, performance improvements, innovation, escalation management) and extensive cross-functional collaboration to implement vendor-related efficiency initiatives,

Responsibilities

Design and implement vendor programs (e.g. performance improvements, new technology introductions) in close collaboration with Enterprise IT Supply Chain and Collaboration Technology teams End-to-end ownership of non-operational (e.g. financial, risk, relationship, performance escalations, compliance, vendor driven innovation) management of top tier vendors within the supported categories Uplevel existing vendor relationships to ensure alignment on strategic goals, influence product roadmaps, establish leadership engagement and manage escalated issues Lead and influence vendor selection decisions (e.g. RFPs), pricing models, and negotiations to further mature EE’s vendor landscape and engagements Develop and execute Employee Technology-level performance scorecards for top tier vendors to drive continuous improvements and ensure vendor decisions/strategy aligns with vendor’s performance track record Support category specific initiatives focused on new capability development, operations improvements, vendor efficiencies, budgeting and performance management

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a directly related field, or equivalent practical experience Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience Demonstrated experience managing relationships with large Enterprise IT Hardware OEMs and VARs 5+ years of IT hardware procurement and contract negotiations experience with OEMs (e.g. Lenovo, Cisco, Apple) and resellers for end user and collaboration technologies Experience working in a fast-paced environment and in a role that requires influencing across different levels in the organization (internal and vendors) Proven knowledge of key contract language and terms and proven understanding of structuring and drafting various contracts including MSA, MPA, maintenance agreements and service orders Working knowledge of the end user hardware or IT asset domain, including device lifecycle concepts such as procurement, deployment, asset records, warranty, refresh, and disposition Ability to operate with limited guidance, translate between business and engineering audiences, and drive outcomes across cross-functional partners Experience with hardware or supply chain systems - inventory, warehouse, logistics, or order management Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews) Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements) Deep understanding of vendor landscape, and vendor’s profitability levers, operating model, account management practices and product roadmapping process Experience in a shared-function, center-of-excellence, or global IT operating model Familiarity with hardware commercial constructs - rate cards, warranty and services pricing, and vendor performance measurement