Vendor Liaison Specialist

American Computer Services, Inc. is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Vendor Liaison Specialist. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the trusted central point of contact for vendor contracts, compliance, and strategic execution across our technology organization, empowering IT leaders to scale effectively through onshore, offshore, and third-party partnerships.

If you excel at building high-performing vendor ecosystems, driving negotiations, and turning complex service requirements into tangible business results, this is your opportunity to make a defining impact.

Location: Hybrid – Cedar Rapids, IA, or Denver, CO

Why This Role Matters

Technology modernization relies heavily on strong external partnerships. In this role, you won't just manage contracts; you will shape how the organization sources talent, procures innovation, and optimizes vendor performance. You will act as a key advisor to executive leadership, bridging the gap between technical strategy, legal precision, and financial accountability.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Advisory: Partner directly with IT senior leadership to define optimal sourcing models, establish clear vendor obligations, and align third-party roadmaps with enterprise goals.
• High-Impact Negotiations: Lead complex, high-stakes pricing, contract, and performance management negotiations alongside legal and procurement teams to drive favorable execution.
• Vendor Performance & SLAs: Establish, monitor, and enforce internal and external SLAs; analyze regular performance metrics to conduct executive reviews and enforce continuous year-over-year improvements.
• RFP & Lifecycle Management: Drive the end-to-end RFP process, shaping vendor selection criteria, managing onboarding, and overseeing ongoing contract governance.
• Financial & Budgetary Stewardship: Oversee invoice reconciliation, credits, and penalties, compiling trend analyses to actively support the organization’s financial and budgetary cycles.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven expertise in vendor management, strategic vendor oversight, or a closely related supply chain/IT governance role.
• Demonstrated success leading difficult contract, pricing, and performance negotiations with major technology vendors.
• Deep familiarity with technology labor pricing structures, outsourcing models, and staff augmentation (onshore/offshore).
• Strong background in RFP development, vendor selection criteria, and driving legal agreements through final execution.
• Proficiency in financial tracking, invoice reconciliation, and utilizing vendor performance data to influence strategic direction.

Soft Skills & Executive Presence

• Executive Presence: Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the credibility to engage, influence, and advise executive leadership.
• Collaborative Influence: A proven ability to drive results and build consensus through partnership across cross-functional teams at all levels.
• Analytical & Autonomous: Strong critical-thinking skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritize competing tasks, and work independently.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.