Vendor Manager

Welcome to this recruitment process with Vueling

Applying is your first step to having the opportunity to join the first Top Employer airline in Europe. We hope the information you find here encourages you to apply so we can get to know you and stay connected.

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 & Indirects, the Vendor Manager - Indirects – is responsible for strategic supplier management, cost optimization, and risk mitigation across Marketing (Creative, Media, Digital, Sponsorship and PR), Communications, Call Centre, Travel & Accommodation, Airline Payment and Distribution 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.

Main Relationships

· Business Unit Directors, Head of and Managers, Finance Business Partners, CFO, Director/Head of Vendor Management, Administration, IT & Data, Legal departments and IAG GBS Procurement.

· Marketing (Creative, Media, Digital, Sponsorship and PR), Communications, Call Centre, Travel & Accommodation, Airline Payment and Distribution categories suppliers.

Education

· Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement or a related field.

· Additional certifications in Procurement (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) or Project Management (e.g., PMP, Prince2) are a plus.

Experience 

· years of experience in procurement, vendor management, or category management within the aviation or related industry.

· Proven experience in airlines, category knowledge of Marketing, Communications, Call Centre, Travel & Accommodation, Payment and Distribution or other 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, SpendHQ, 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

• Foresight and Problem Solving

• Analytical Skills

• Adaptability to Change

• Autonomy

• Negotiation

Languages 

• English: C1

• Spanish

Location

Viladecans, Barcelona

Level 

Individual Contributor 4

For the second year running, Vueling is the only European airline and the only low-cost airline in the world to obtain this certification. The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more.

#FlyToYourFullPotential

Every single person who works with us is unique. Join us is accepting the invite to fly to your full potential through self-development and pursuing your professional passion. Our employee value proposition and benefits include staff travel, discounts, a flexible working model, and more Want to learn more? Click here.

 Our Culture 

We thrive on teamwork and collaboration. Joining our team means being part of a cohesive unit that works together, shares knowledge, and supports each other.

Our positive working atmosphere is unique and essential to our productivity and growth. You'll be surrounded by diverse and dynamic professionals. We are passionate about what we do: Connecting People and Places Learn more about our Mission, Vision, & Values.

Our Recruitment Process 

Your experience as a candidate is critical for us. We firmly believe that understanding our process will alleviate anxiety and ignite your passion for this extraordinary experience Please take a closer look at how our process works.