Our Company:

Abyss Solutions is reinventing industrial asset management both above and underwater for step-change improvements in; asset life, maintenance cost, and reduction of failure risk. Think oil rigs, dam walls, ship hulls, any asset subject to deterioration in water and weather.

We do so by utilizing extremely sophisticated, unique (and patented) Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning software together with a deep understanding of our customers’ asset integrity needs and processes. Creating a 3D ‘digital twin’ of customer assets. Using drones and Abyss analytics is just the beginning, Abyss comprehensively classifies the ‘state’ of the asset to identify exactly what maintenance is required, providing precise direction.

Abyss is driving to fully automate the maintenance process, expanding applications and capabilities into

other verticals, even operating in space thanks to the recent Australian government ‘Moon to Mars’ funding.

Position Summary
The Vendor Governance Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing relationships with data and image annotation vendors to ensure high-quality service delivery and alignment with company objectives. This role involves negotiating contracts, monitoring vendor performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The Manager will develop strategic partnerships, drive cost optimization, and manage risks associated with vendor operations. They will work closely with internal stakeholders to align vendor strategies with organizational goals and facilitate continuous improvement. Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills are essential to succeed in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Relationship Management:

1. Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with the vendors to ensure mutual understanding and collaboration on objectives.
2. Facilitate regular vendor engagement sessions to discuss strategic initiatives, alignment with company goals, and partnership opportunities.
3. Lead collaboration with vendors to negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements to meet project needs.

• Contract and Compliance Management:

1. Manage the entire lifecycle of vendor contracts, from negotiation and execution to renewal and termination, ensuring all terms are advantageous and enforceable.
2. Develop and enforce compliance programs to ensure vendors adhere to contractual terms and relevant regulations, including data security and privacy standards.

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

1. Develop performance dashboards and scorecards to provide real-time visibility into vendor performance metrics and SLA compliance.
2. Prepare detailed performance reports and present findings to executive leadership, highlighting trends, insights, and areas for enhancement.

• Risk Management:

1. Design and implement a risk mitigation framework to proactively identify and address potential risks related to vendor operations and performance.
2. Conduct scenario planning and risk simulation exercises to prepare for and minimize the impact of potential disruptions.

• Cost Optimization:

1. Lead cost-benefit analyses of vendor services to identify opportunities for cost reductions and enhanced value delivery.
2. Negotiate pricing structures and service packages that maximize cost savings while maintaining or improving quality and service levels.

• Strategic Planning:

1. Contribute to the development of long-term vendor management strategies that support business growth and innovation objectives.
2. Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify emerging opportunities and threats in the vendor landscape.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

1. Drive innovation by encouraging vendors to adopt new technologies and methodologies that enhance service quality and efficiency.
2. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline vendor processes, reduce cycle times, and improve overall service quality.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather insights on vendor performance and service delivery, using feedback to drive improvements.
2. Act as a liaison between vendors and internal teams, ensuring effective communication and alignment on project requirements and timelines.

• Vendor Evaluation and Selection:

1. Design and implement a comprehensive vendor evaluation framework to assess potential vendors based on quality, capability, and strategic fit.
2. Lead cross-functional teams in the vendor selection process, ensuring a rigorous and transparent evaluation of candidates.

• Budget Management:

1. Develop and manage the vendor management budget, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and strategic priorities.
2. Implement financial controls and monitoring processes to ensure budget compliance and effective resource allocation.

• Conflict Management and Resolution:

1. Mediate conflicts between internal teams and vendors, ensuring fair and effective resolution that supports ongoing collaboration.
2. Develop conflict resolution protocols to address recurring issues and promote a positive working relationship with vendors.

• Market Research and Benchmarking:

1. Conduct market research to identify industry best practices and benchmark vendor performance against competitors and industry standards.
2. Use benchmarking insights to inform strategic decisions and drive improvements in vendor management practices.

• Technology and Systems Management:

1. Oversee the implementation and management of vendor management software and systems to enhance efficiency and data accuracy.
2. Ensure technology platforms support vendor management processes and provide robust reporting and analytics capabilities

Person specification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in vendor management or procurement, ideally in the technology or data services sector.
• Proven track record of managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
• Strong vendor management skills, including performance monitoring and compliance management.
• Excellent analytical skills for interpreting data and developing insights.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address and resolve vendor-related issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear and persuasive presentations.
• Proven negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and resolve conflicts.
• Proficiency in vendor management software and data analysis tools.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Ability to think strategically and align vendor practices with company goals.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive initiatives.
• Proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Willingness to travel for vendor meetings and conferences.
• Flexibility to accommodate varying work hours based on project demands.

Qualification

A bachelor's level qualification in engineering is required. A master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.

Our Values

• We are Innovative
• We are Agile
• We are transparent
• We act with Integrity
• We strive for Excellence
• No Egos

Note

This position is only open for internal applicants.