Commercial Vendor Manager

Commercial Vendor Manager

Type: Freelance / Contract
Duration: 6 Months (Potential Extension)
Start: ASAP
Location: EU / Hybrid (Travel as Required)

Overview

Linnk is seeking an experienced Vendor Manager to support the commercial management of strategic third-party suppliers delivering engineering and deployment services across large-scale automation programmes.

Working within a high-performing engineering organisation, this role will focus on procurement strategy, contract management, supplier engagement, and commercial governance. The successful candidate will partner closely with technical and programme teams while leading RFx activities, complex purchasing exercises, vendor qualification, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong procurement or commercial background who enjoys working at the intersection of engineering, supplier management, and business operations. You will play a key role in ensuring suppliers deliver high-quality services while supporting long-term vendor strategy and commercial excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead end-to-end commercial vendor management across strategic engineering and deployment suppliers
• Manage RFx processes, supplier evaluations, commercial negotiations, and competitive bidding activities
• Develop vendor qualification frameworks, supplier contracts, and commercial governance processes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and executive stakeholders
• Drive supplier performance through KPI development, scorecards, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support procurement planning, vendor capacity management, and commercial forecasting across multiple programmes
• Develop business cases, manage project budgets, and support capital planning for vendor development initiatives
• Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Legal, Finance, and Programme Management teams to align commercial and technical objectives
• Identify commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the supplier lifecycle
• Establish onboarding processes and governance mechanisms for integrating new suppliers into internal systems
• Present commercial updates, supplier performance, and procurement recommendations to senior leadership
• Contribute to process optimisation and best practice development across vendor management and procurement activities

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related discipline
• Experience managing complex procurement activities, vendor management, or commercial operations within technical or engineering environments
• Strong understanding of source-to-contract procurement processes, including category management, RFx, contract negotiation, benchmarking, and supplier selection
• Experience managing supplier relationships, commercial negotiations, and contract administration
• Experience supporting procurement planning, vendor capacity management, or commercial strategy
• Strong analytical, organisational, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage technical teams and senior leadership

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting engineering, robotics, automation, manufacturing, or technology programmes
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies, should-cost modelling, reverse auctions, and supplier benchmarking
• Experience developing supplier KPIs, governance frameworks, and performance scorecards
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing high-value supplier relationships
• Experience working within complex, global, cross-functional organisations
• Professional procurement qualifications such as CIPS (or equivalent) are advantageous
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects within fast-paced environments

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Commercially Minded
• Strong Negotiator
• Strategic Thinker
• Excellent Stakeholder Manager
• Data-Driven Decision Maker
• Ownership and Accountability
• Organised and Detail-Oriented
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Collaborative Team Player
• Results Driven