Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Vendor IT Solutions

The Vendor IT Solutions Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of vendor solutions from evaluation and selection to ongoing support and performance optimization; manage relationships with technology vendors, ensuring that vendor solutions align with the University’s needs and objectives.

• Lead and manage a team to provide direction and development in ensuring optimal delivery of services; develop, mentor, and coach staff
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify technology needs and evaluate potential vendors and their solutions; make recommendations on vendor selection based on the University’s requirements
• Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs) with vendors, in accordance with University procurement policies; ensure that terms and conditions are favorable to the University, including pricing, support, and performance guarantees
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with technology vendors; serve as the primary point of contact for vendor-related issues, inquiries, and escalations
• Oversee the implementation of vendor solutions; work with technical teams to ensure successful deployment and integration of the solutions
• Manage the budget associated with vendor solutions; track costs and ensure that spending aligns with financial objectives
• Continuously monitor the performance and effectiveness of vendor solutions; ensure that the solutions meet or exceed the University’s requirements and objectives
• Ensure that vendors meet their contractual obligations, including SLAs, security and compliance requirements, and other terms of agreement
• Address and resolve any technical or contractual issues that arise during the use of vendor solutions; coordinate with vendors to find solutions to problems and challenges
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with vendor solutions; develop contingency plans to address potential issues or disruptions
• Regularly assess vendor performance and the value provided by their solutions; make recommendations for renewing contracts, negotiating changes, or seeking alternative vendors when necessary
• Ensure that vendor solutions comply with security and regulatory requirements; implement and monitor security measures and controls
• Collaborate with IT and end-users to provide training and support for vendor solutions, helping users maximize their effectiveness
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for enhancing the organization's use of vendor solutions

Level:

– Manager

Base Description:

– Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient ability in work design, project management, financial planning and development of goals for accomplishing unit assignments. Reviews and guides work to ensure conformity to policy and effective approaches. Evaluates employee performance and recommend development opportunities. Demonstrates ability to coach employees. Presents and communicates key university indicatives and connects it to unit contributions. Provides broad guidelines. Develops, evaluates, enhances, and/or implements quality improvement practices. Recommends innovative solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Oversees a team (typically 4 or more; no fewer than 2) full
– time direct reports of individual contributors and/or first level supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Monitors and tracks department/area budget
– May plan, forecast, and/or assist in developing budgets
– May have final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

– Encounters varied and complex problems
– Helps to develop creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature but within limited scope
– Modifies, adapts, or refines guidelines if necessary to resolve issues or problems

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices and advanced working knowledge to determine appropriate work methods for the team
– Reviews completed work of others for conformity to policy, and effectiveness of approach
– Delegates advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Communicates key university initiatives and how unit’s work contributes to their achievement
– Presents ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and uses persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00