Contract and Vendor Manager

Job description

How do you help make a difference? As a Contract Manager, you will be part of the Procurement, Contract and Vendor Management team within B-IT (the IT department of SNCB/NMBS through YPTO). You will operate in a complex IT environment that is critical to business continuity and will be responsible for leading strategic IT procurement initiatives, as well as managing and optimizing a portfolio of IT contracts with significant financial, operational, and regulatory impact. For this role, the focus is primarily on the procurement of IT services such as ADMS (Application Development, Maintenance and Support) and cybersecurity-related services. You will lead complex IT procurement projects end-to-end and define sourcing strategies aligned with SNCB’s digital roadmap. From an operational perspective, you will drive requirements gathering in collaboration with internal stakeholders, define procurement strategies, and oversee the preparation of technical specifications, working closely with SNCB’s Procurement department and the various IT departments involved (SMEs). What is your role at SNCB? As a Contract and Vendor Manager, you will be responsible for the following: You will lead or coordinate complex public procurement processes (goods and services), including defining the procurement strategy, governing the evaluation process, and conducting technical and contractual negotiations, in collaboration with the internal procurement teams responsible for ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation. In a multi-vendor environment, you will be responsible for the full governance of IT contracts, including performance monitoring (SLAs/KPIs), proactive risk management, and corrective actions to ensure service continuity and value creation. Through your close relationships with internal clients and your understanding of the IT landscape and market, you will gain a deep understanding of their needs and help design appropriate contractual solutions, pricing mechanisms, and systems for monitoring and evaluating service delivery (KPIs). You will manage relationships with strategic suppliers, including escalation management, resolution of complex disputes, and senior-level negotiations. You will manage a portfolio of critical IT contracts, ensuring visibility on contract deadlines, risks, optimization opportunities, and financial impact. You will contribute directly to cost control, contract optimization, and the management of contractual, financial, and regulatory risks. You will act as a business partner and trusted advisor to management by challenging requirements and helping guide strategic decisions. The role is characterized by the simultaneous management of complex projects and contracts with significant financial impact and a direct influence on the continuity of IT services. Why is this job a good fit for you? You hold a Master's degree, preferably in Business Economics, Industrial Engineering, Commercial Engineering, or Information Technology. You have at least 10 years of experience in complex IT environments, working as a Senior Contract Manager, Senior Buyer/Purchasing Manager, or Project/Program Manager within the IT sector. You have experience with public procurement and/or utility sectors. You have experience in strategic contract management and IT sourcing. Experience with software licensing and the related legal terminology is considered an asset. You are an excellent communicator and document drafter, with a strong affinity for contractual matters and vendor management. You are an expert in stakeholder management at all levels. You enjoy working in a team and are capable of leading cross-functional teams. You have experience in IT project management (methodology, budget, resources, etc.). You demonstrate a high degree of autonomy. You have the ability to influence decision-making at senior management level. You have experience interacting with C-level executives. You are fluent in Dutch, French, and English. Everyone is unique. That's why we believe it’s important that you can be yourself — it makes SNCB/NMBS stronger. We therefore place great value on diversity and inclusion . What can you expect from us? Within our open corporate culture, you contribute to the digital transformation of SNCB/NMBS. You will have a job with social impact and ample opportunity to make your own contribution. In addition to a good work-life balance and a competitive salary, you will receive the following benefits: the possibility to work remotely + flexible working hours; 35 days of leave; a company car + a public transport season ticket; a target bonus; a comprehensive insurance package (affiliation without own contribution, excl. outpatient costs for family members); hospitalisation and dental care for the whole family; outpatient costs (= medical costs separate from hospitalisation); group insurance: supplementary pension, work disability and death (cafeteria plan); accidents at work (extralegal); meal vouchers and eco-vouchers; net allowances for remote working and carwash + internet budget. Where will you be working? You will work near Brussels-South station. What’s next? You apply online. We take a close look at your CV and check whether it matches the profile you are looking for. We may call you briefly to ask about your motivation and experience. We invite you for a first (online) HR interview where you can demonstrate your motivation, experience and expectations. If the first interview is positive, we invite you for a second technical interview in Brussels. This interview will be with the team, where we’ll discuss the role and how your skills align with the team’s needs. If everything goes well, we will make you a contract offer. You start your new job! We reserve the right to adjust or pause this procedure if necessary. Our recruitment team will select the profiles that best match the job requirements to ensure an optimal fit. Do you have any further questions? Mail: