Vendor and Contract Manager

Job Description

About Maersk

Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics and have been industry pioneers for over a century. Through innovation and transformation we are redefining the boundaries of possibility, continuously setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and excellence.
At Maersk, we believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning and we work hard to ensure that the people in our organisation reflect and understand the customers we exist to serve.
With over 100,000 employees across 130 countries, we work together to shape the future of global trade and logistics.
Join us as we harness cutting-edge technologies and unlock opportunities on a global scale. Together, let's sail towards a brighter, more sustainable future with Maersk.

Role Summary

As a Category Manager within the Strategic Vendors team, you will be responsible for the end-to-end commercial ownership and strategic management of a portfolio of global Tier 1 technology vendors.
Operating within the Strategic Vendors function, this role partners closely with Technology leadership to develop and execute vendor strategies that optimise cost, maximise value, and align supplier capabilities to Maersk’s technology and business priorities.
The role is a critical interface between Technology, Finance, Legal, and suppliers, ensuring robust governance, contract compliance, and delivery against strategic objectives.

What You Will Be Doing

Strategic Vendor & Supplier Management

Own and manage relationships with strategic vendors, ensuring alignment to Technology strategies
Lead executive-level engagement with suppliers, including governance forums and business reviews
Develop and maintain structured supplier governance models, including performance tracking and escalation frameworks
Drive long-term partnership value through innovation, joint planning, and continuous improvement

Category Strategy & Commercial Leadership

Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for strategic vendors, aligned to business and technology roadmaps
Conduct spend analysis, supplier segmentation, and market benchmarking to inform sourcing decisions
Identify opportunities to rationalise vendor landscape and optimise cost structures
Deliver commercial outcomes through effective sourcing, negotiation, and demand management

Contracting, Negotiation & Lifecycle Management

Lead complex global contract negotiations with key suppliers
Ensure robust contract structures covering pricing, performance, risk, and compliance
Oversee full contract lifecycle including renewals, amendments, and terminations
Partner with Legal and Risk teams to ensure compliance with data, security, and regulatory standards

Performance, Risk & Governance

Define and implement supplier performance frameworks (KPIs, SLAs, scorecards)
Lead risk management activities including compliance monitoring and issue resolution
Ensure governance forums drive accountability, transparency, and performance improvement
Manage supplier disputes, escalations, and commercial remediation

Stakeholder & Business Partnering

Act as a strategic advisor to Technology and business stakeholders on vendor-related decisions
Collaborate cross-functionally (Finance, Legal, IT, Architecture) to align sourcing strategies
Provide insight-led recommendations to senior leadership on procurement and vendor strategy
Support key transformation initiatives including digital, AI, and cloud programmes

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Drive procurement excellence through process optimisation and adoption of best practices
Monitor market trends and supplier innovation pipelines
Lead initiatives to enhance Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) maturity
Promote sustainability, compliance, and responsible procurement standards

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience in procurement, category management, or vendor management within a global enterprise
• Strong commercial acumen with advanced negotiation and contract structuring skills
• Deep experience managing strategic technology vendors (e.g. SaaS, Cloud, IT Services)
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate at executive level
• Strong analytical capability (spend analysis, cost modelling, market insights)
• Solid understanding of procurement governance, risk management, and compliance
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.