Head Of Vendor Management, Procurement, And Client Contract Management

**Company Description** For a winning team that is evolving.** Forward with Cuscal.

At Cuscal, you'll find a strong, successful company that's reimagining the future. And our team is right there at the heart of it all. Here, you'll deliver or support interesting, ground-breaking projects that have real impact - on Australia's financial services sector and the millions of customers it serves. You'll innovate alongside skilled, smart, connected teams. And you'll build an impressive, fulfilling career that continues to grow. As the largest independent payment solution providers, we've set the standard for over 50 years. Now, we're preparing to pioneer the next 50.
**Job Description** What is this role about?**

**We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to join our team as the Head of Vendor Management, Procurement, and Client Contract Management.**

In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for developing and executing the procurement strategy, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring efficient sourcing practices align with the organisation's strategic goals and focussed on providing commercially astute advice to drive value for money outcomes. This role also encompasses oversight of vendor risk management to mitigate potential risks and ensures that all client contracts are effectively managed to meet business objectives, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- ** Vendor Management**: Develop and lead the vendor management strategy, establish and maintain strong partnerships with key vendors, oversee vendor selection, negotiation, and contract management processes, and monitor vendor performance through KPIs and SLAs.
- ** Vendor Risk Management**: Implement a comprehensive vendor risk management framework, conduct vendor risk assessments, ensure compliance with regulatory and security standards, and maintain a robust vendor risk reporting process. Monitor vendor performance and risk throughout the contract lifecycle, addressing any emerging risks promptly and develop and implement escalation and mitigation strategies.
- ** Procurement Strategy**: Design and implement a robust procurement framework, drive cost optimisation initiatives, oversee end-to-end procurement processes, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory policies. Oversee end-to-end procurement processes, including sourcing, purchasing, and contract negotiation. Provide expert advice to key stakeholders on all aspects of procurement to encourage innovative practices and support delivery of business and policy directions
- ** Client Contract Management**: Develop and oversee a comprehensive client contract management strategy, ensuring all agreements are managed in alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Ensure all client contracts are maintained in a centralised repository and monitored for critical deadlines, renewals, and compliance obligations. Manage amendments, terminations, and extensions of client contracts in conjunction with the Legal and Client teams in accordance with company policies and legal standards
- ** Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement**: Lead and develop a high-performing team, collaborate with internal stakeholders, act as a key advisor to senior leadership, and prepare regular reports on procurement, vendor, and contract management activities.
- ** Risk Management and Compliance**: Develop and maintain procurement, vendor, and contract risk management frameworks, ensure compliance with Australian financial services regulations, and address audit findings promptly.

**Qualifications** What can you bring?**
- ** Essential skills and experience**: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Law, or a related field; extensive experience in vendor management, procurement, and contract management within the financial services sector or a regulated industry; proven experience in developing and implementing vendor and client contract management frameworks; strong leadership and team management skills; excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management abilities; deep understanding of procurement and vendor management systems, processes, and technologies.
- ** Desirable**: Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA) or industry certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, CRISC); experience managing complex client contracts and working with Australian financial services regulations; familiarity with digital tools for contract lifecycle management (CLM).

**Key Competencies**:

- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align procurement, risk, and contract management strategies with organizational objectives.
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyse data, identify risks, and drive decision-making.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in resolving vendor or client contract-related challenges.
- Integrity: Commitment to ethical practices and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Collaboration: Skill