Job Objective: The Vendor Manager is responsible for managing WIOCC's strategic supplier ecosystem to support delivery of network programmes, customer projects and operational activities. This includes evaluating and onboarding service providers, negotiating commercial agreements, monitoring performance against SLAs, resolving delivery obstacles and driving supplier improvements. The role ensures that all vendors deliver on time, within budget and at the required quality standard. By controlling vendor performance, the Vendor Manager enables revenue acceleration, improved customer experience and reduced delivery risk.
Reporting Line: Director Projects, Procurement and Logistics
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Vendor Strategy and Planning
Develop and implement the vendor management strategy aligned to business plans
Identify supplier gaps to match future expansion (network build, POP expansion, fibre access projects)
Maintain a vendor capacity matrix per region
Work with PMO to forecast workload and match vendor capacity pipeline to delivery plans
Work with Hyperscale's Engagement Director to align on the commercial and operation implications of back-to-back deal involving Hyperscale's
Vendor Selection, Sourcing and Onboarding
Support RFP/RFQ preparation, issuance, evaluation, and vendor shortlisting
Lead commercial and delivery-related negotiations with shortlisted suppliers
Manage vendor due diligence checks covering: financial stability, track record and capability, HSSE policies, resource availability & equipment
Facilitate contract award and onboarding into WIOCC systems
Contracting, Compliance and SLA Governance
Draft, negotiate and execute supplier contracts with Procurement and Legal oversight
Ensure SLA terms reflect: delivery timelines, downtime guarantees, workmanship standards, penalties for delay or non-performance
Monitor adherence to contractual obligations and maintain renewal/expiry calendars
Implement systematic compliance audits and remedial plans
Vendor Performance Management
Develop vendor scorecards with KPIs including On-time delivery, Quality pass rates, Rework/defect frequency, Responsiveness and communication, Safety compliance
Run monthly/quarterly performance reviews with each vendor
Track and escalate underperformance with corrective action plans
Recommend vendor expansion or decommissioning based on performance
Work with Service Management and Network Operations and the Hyperscale's Engagement Director
Project Delivery Support
Serve as primary vendor escalation point for PMO, Engineering and Operations
Resolve delays in mobilization, material delivery, site access, installation, testing and invoicing
Ensure rapid communication to keep projects moving
Maintain accurate vendor delivery status reporting
Cost Control and Value Optimization
Benchmark vendor pricing across countries/vendors to ensure competitiveness
Track spend vs budget by vendor and project category
Identify opportunities for: aggregated procurement, volume discounts, standard price lists, cost avoidance through planning
Support Finance with accruals and cost forecasting
Work with Engineering and Hyperscale Engagement Director to track spending vs budget by vendor and project category
Risk Management and Issue Escalation
Identify delivery bottlenecks and future risks per vendor
Maintain a vendor risk register and mitigation plans
Manage escalation workflows across vendor management, PMO, Engineering, Legal
Resolve disputes related to delays, quality issues or scope deviation
Relationship and Stakeholder Management
Maintain strong working relationships with vendor leadership and operations teams
Engage cross-functional stakeholders (Procurement, PMO, Engineering, Network Ops, Logistics, Finance, Service Management and Hyperscale's Engagement Director)
Build strong internal partnerships to meet delivery and cost targets
Represent WIOCC professionally in vendor forums and negotiation sessions
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree: Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration or similar
Minimum 5 - 7 years in: Vendor management, Supply chain, technical project delivery
Telecom/Pan-African infrastructure experience preferred
Demonstrated ability to lead contract and commercial negotiations
Strong risk, compliance and SLA administration knowledge
Skills and Competencies:
Technical
Contract negotiation and legal understanding
Vendor management methodologies
Telecom infrastructure knowledge (DWDM, IP, fibre build, POP power and civil works)
ERP experience (NetSuite ideal)
PO management, invoicing, cost tracking
Behavioral
Time-sensitive problem solving
Strong influencing and escalation skills
Relationship-building across cultures and countries
Persuasive communication and report writing
Ability to prioritise workload across multiple vendors simultaneously
Calm under pressure, especially when managing delays
Attributes
Client focused, relationship builder
Integrity, honest with highest ethical standards
Boundless, passionate, and flexible
Personal excellence, accuracy, and attention to detail
Collaborative, achieve results through teamwork and partnerships