Vendor Manager

Welcome to this recruitment process with Vueling

Let's start by getting to know us better

**At Vueling, we love things to happen.**We always do our best to go one step further and do it better. We invite our people to celebrate their unique strengths, work as a team to overcome challenges and achieve their goals for the greater good.

Our team is made of great professionals. Great and passionate people who collaborate, support and complement each other's skills.

**We are one of Europe's leading low-cost airlines, with special relevance in the Spanish domestic market, as well as in France and Italy.**

**Job Purpose**

Reporting to the Head of Vendor Management - Airports and Indirects, the Vendor Manager is responsible for strategic supplier management, cost optimization, and risk mitigation across Indirect categories. This role plays a key part in developing and executing category strategies, in collaboration with IAG GBS conduct sourcing and contract negotiations, and ensuring supplier performance aligns with Vueling’s operational and financial goals.

The position requires collaborating with internal stakeholders and IAG GBS Procurement to drive procurement excellence, enhance supplier innovation, and ensure compliance with SLAs and rebate agreements. Additionally, the role supports the company’s transformation and efficiency initiatives, identifying opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and value creation.

**Main Accountabilities**
- Support the Head of Vendor Management in executing projects that optimize costs and operational performance.
- Develop and implement Category Management Strategies for Indirect Categories Marketing, Communications, Call Centre, Property & Professional Services, ensuring alignment with stakeholders and IAG GBS Procurement.
- Conduct market research, industry analysis, and long-term strategic planning for each category.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives within set timeframes and budgets, collaborating with Finance Business Partners.
- Identify and assess make-or-buy opportunities to enhance cost efficiency.
- Lead negotiation strategies with critical suppliers and oversee contract lifecycle management, including supplier segmentation and relationship management.
- Manage sourcing, RFx processes, and contract negotiations in coordination with IAG GBS.
- Monitor supplier obligations, performance, and compliance, addressing potential claims and ensuring risk mitigation plans are in place.
- Report cost-saving initiatives, risk assessments, and supplier performance updates to leadership.
- Present contract award recommendations to senior management, including CFO and COO.
- Establish continuous improvement plans and R&D collaborations with key suppliers.
- Coordinate steering committees, tenders, and sourcing initiatives with IAG GBS.
- Track savings, provide monthly reports, and develop business cases supporting cost efficiencies.
- Analyze expenditures to identify potential savings and collaborate with the Transformation team on cost optimization.

**Transversal Accountabilities**
- Team Management: ensure winning together managing people teams to meet both their career goals and the organizational goals.
- Area budget and cost management: manage the budget of his area in a cost focus way.
- Project Management: Ensures the development of assigned projects in an timely and quality manner.

**Main Relationships**
- Business Unit Directors, Head of and Managers, Finance Business Partners, CFO, Director/Head of Vendor Management, Administration, IT & Data and Legal departments and IAG GBS Procurement.
- Airport Category suppliers (Ground Handling, Uniforms, Crew Hotels, Disruption Management, Cleaning and Catering) or Indirect Categories Marketing, Communications, Call Centre, Property & Professional Services.

**Education**
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Additional certifications in Procurement (e.g., CIPS) or Project Management (e.g., PMP, Prince2) are a plus.

**Experience**- 3+ years of experience in procurement, vendor management, or category management within the aviation or related industry.- Proven experience in airlines, category knowledge of Indirect Categories.- Strong background in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and cost optimization.- Experience working in a cross-functional, international environment, ideally within a large corporate or group structure (e.g., IAG, oneWorld Alliance).- Familiarity with aviation regulations, compliance, and operational efficiency initiatives.- Knowledge of SAP, Icertis or other Procure to Pay systems is highly desirable.- Strong analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive strategic procurement decisions.

**Competencies**
- Effective Communication
- Initiative
- Influence (Cross-Functional Interests)
- Teamwork
- Time Management