IT Provider Manager (m/f/d)

Continental

8d ago

Job
Full-time
Senior Level
IT & Cybersecurity
Business, Operations & Strategy
Hannover

AI generated summary

You need a Bachelor's in IT or related field, 5+ years in vendor/IT procurement, relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and fluency in English and German.
You will manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, monitor performance, resolve escalations, ensure compliance, and identify improvement opportunities to optimize service delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Required Certifications: Certified in IT Service Management (e.g., ITIL Foundation), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
Preferred Certifications: Certified Contract Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP).
5+ years of experience in vendor management, provider management, or IT procurement, with a track record of managing external service providers and optimizing IT service delivery.
Managed the contract negotiation and onboarding process for new IT vendors, ensuring alignment with business requirements and contractual agreements.
Led the vendor performance review process, implementing improvements and ensuring service delivery met KPIs and SLAs.
Led an IT outsourcing initiative, overseeing vendor selection, contract negotiations, and the transition to a new service provider.
Managed multi-provider ecosystems, ensuring all vendors delivered consistent quality and met operational expectations.
Ability to collaborate effectively across functional areas (IT, procurement, legal, etc.) to manage vendor relationships and drive successful outcomes.
Influence without direct authority, leading by example and through strong communication and negotiation skills to manage external partners.
Experience in cross-functional team leadership, where the role involves working with IT, legal, business units, and procurement teams to ensure smooth service delivery and issue resolution.
Stakeholder management experience to ensure alignment with business goals and effective communication with senior leadership, business units, and external partners.
Fluent in English and German, another language helpful
Exposure to international work content in previous roles

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong relationships with external service providers, fostering trust, communication, and collaboration.
Negotiate contracts with new and existing providers, ensuring favorable terms and alignment with company goals.
Monitor and evaluate vendor performance, ensuring adherence to SLAs, KPIs, and other contractual commitments.
Manage service escalations and disputes, acting as the main point of contact to resolve issues in a timely and effective manner.
Oversee service delivery by external providers to ensure quality, timeliness, and compliance with business requirements.
Proactively identify opportunities for improvement in service delivery and work with vendors to optimize processes, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.
Collaborate with internal IT and business teams to ensure that provider services are aligned with evolving business needs and technological advancements.
Develops support concepts and procedures to meet in minimum the current defined service levels, demonstrates opportunities to improve service provision.
Review and manage contracts for external service providers, ensuring they reflect the company’s requirements, compliance standards, and risk mitigation.
Keep up to date with contract renewal schedules and renegotiate terms as necessary to maintain competitive advantage and service quality.
Implement contract governance processes to ensure that all terms and conditions are adhered to and that compliance risks are mitigated.
Assess and mitigate risks associated with external providers, particularly in areas related to data security, service continuity, and compliance.
Ensure that vendors are compliant with regulatory requirements and company policies, especially concerning data protection, intellectual property, and IT security.
Conduct regular audits and reviews of vendor performance and compliance with contract terms, escalating issues as necessary.
Contribute to the development of the provider ecosystem strategy, identifying new vendors and emerging technologies that could bring value to the company.
Continuously assess the provider landscape, exploring new opportunities to leverage innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
Acts as a primary partner for internal customers as well as for external provider management assisted by Project Management Office.
Provides guidance to facilitate central & local change management process.
Works cooperatively with the local experts and/or teams out of the retail organisations.
Ensures the optimal resource utilization.

FAQs

Do we support remote work?

Yes, we do remote work but in a hybrid format.

Is experience in vendor management required for this position?

Yes, at least 5 years of experience in vendor management or a related field is required.

What certifications are required for this role?

Required certifications include IT Service Management (e.g., ITIL Foundation) and Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).

Is fluency in languages other than English required?

Fluency in German is required, and knowledge of another language is helpful.

What is the focus of the IT Provider Manager role?

The role focuses on vendor management, service delivery optimization, contract management, risk management, compliance, and customer relationship management.

What educational background is preferred for applicants?

A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.

Will the manager be responsible for contract negotiations?

Yes, the manager will negotiate contracts with new and existing providers to ensure favorable terms and alignment with company goals.

Is prior experience in international work beneficial for this position?

Yes, exposure to international work content in previous roles is considered beneficial.

What opportunities for career development are offered?

Opportunities include training programs, mobile and flexible working models, and sabbaticals, among others.

How important is stakeholder management in this role?

Stakeholder management is very important to ensure alignment with business goals and effective communication with internal and external partners.

Continental

Let your ideas shape the future.

Automotive

Industry

10,001+

Employees

1871

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Continental is a multinational automotive manufacturing company that specializes in producing a wide range of products for the automotive industry. They are a leading supplier of tires, brake systems, powertrain components, automotive electronics, and other related products. Continental's ultimate mission is to shape the future of mobility by providing innovative solutions that enhance safety, sustainability, and comfort in transportation. Their purpose is to drive progress and improve the mobility experience for people around the world. Continental aims to be a technology-driven company, pioneering advancements in autonomous driving, electric mobility, and smart transportation solutions. They strive to make driving safer, cleaner, and more efficient, while also prioritising customer satisfaction and sustainability. Through their expertise and innovation in automotive technology, Continental aims to positively impact society, the environment, and the future of mobility.

Culture & Values

Trust
Trust is the basis for everything we do and the prerequisite for our success.
Passion To Win
We want to create value on a permanent basis. For this, we give our best.
Freedom To Act
We grow with freedom and its responsibility.
For One Another
We attain top value with a spirit for one another.

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