Senior Manager - Vendor Relationships

The opportunity

The Senior Manager of Vendor Relations is responsible for overseeing and enhancing relationships with key HPC technology providers and other external vendors. This role is crucial for aligning vendor engagements with Core42's strategic goals, particularly in AI and HPC technologies. The Manager will handle contract negotiations, ensure compliance with internal and external policies, and drive collaborative efforts such as co-marketing events. 
 
Core42 is the UAE’s national-scale enabler for cloud and generative AI, combining G42 Group’s expertise across multiple technology disciplines into a single platform for public sector and large enterprise transformations. Building on our capabilities as sovereign cloud and HPC specialist, we bring generative AI, cybersecurity, professional and managed services expertise to enable national-scale program deployments across industries.

Objectives of this role: 

• Ensure vendors deliver high-quality products and services that meet Core42’s technical and operational standards.
• Align vendor services and products with Core42’s strategic objectives in AI and HPC technologies.
• Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policies, minimizing vendor-related risks.
• Foster strong relationships with key HPC technology providers, becoming the primary point of contact for vendor communications.
• Leverage vendor partnerships to drive innovation and continuous improvement in Core42’s solutions.
• Coordinate with internal teams, including legal, marketing, and compliance, to ensure vendor activities align with Core42's goals.
• Lead co-marketing events with vendors in collaboration with the marketing team. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Facilitate vendor onboarding, ensuring they understand Core42’s requirements, compliance standards, and strategic goals.
• Negotiate contracts, including Cloud Service Provider agreements, securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless integration of vendor services and products.
• Guide vendors in improving their capabilities, performance, and service delivery.
• Manage the end-to-end relationship with vendors, coordinating internally with relevant stakeholders.
• Generate regular reports on vendor performance, compliance, and other relevant metrics.
• Support and guide vendors in improving their capabilities, performance, and service delivery.
• Identify and resolve issues related to vendor performance, compliance, or contract disputes.
• Plan and execute co-marketing events with vendors to ensure alignment with Core42’s messaging and marketing efforts. 
   

To qualify for the role you must have

• 7 to 10 years of proven experience managing vendor relationships in HPC solutions, Data Enablement, or Cognitive Services. 
• Strong expertise in evaluating technical specifications related to vendor products and services. 
• Ability to grasp complex technical details and translate them into customer solutions. 
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms, pricing, and conditions in vendor contracts. 
• Experience in managing the end-to-end relationship with vendors, including internal coordination with legal, marketing, and compliance teams.
• Effective problem-solving skills and a proven track record in change management and performance evaluation. 

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA is beneficial but not required.  
• In-depth understanding of AI and HPC technologies, including hardware and software. 
• Proficiency in contract management systems and data analysis tools for performance tracking and reporting.  
• Experience in managing co-marketing events and strategic vendor partnerships.

What we look for
If you are a performance-driven, inquisitive mind with the agility to adapt to ambiguity, you will fit right in. You should be eager to explore opportunities to build meaningful collaborations with stakeholders and aspire to create unique customer-centric solutions. Bias for action and a passion to conquer new frontiers in the AI space is at the heart of the Core42 community.

What working at Core42 offers
Culture: An open, diverse and inclusive environment with a global vision that encourages personal growth and focuses on ground-breaking, industry-first innovations.
Career: Outstanding learning, development & growth opportunities via structured training programs and innovative, high-tech projects.
Work-Life: A hybrid work policy to strike the perfect balance between office and home.
Rewards: A competitive remuneration package with a host of perks including healthcare, education support, leave benefits and more.

If you can confidently demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.