About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Functional Title: Technology Vendor Manager – Microsoft  

Job Description: 

As the Technology Vendor Manager for Microsoft, the incumbent will play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing our relationship with one of our key strategic partners. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring seamless collaboration and coordination across all aspects of Northern Trust’s our relationship with Microsoft.  This will entail in-depth understanding of contractual obligations, third-party risk requirements, service level agreements and exceptional stakeholder management.  

Responsibilities: 

Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at Microsoft, including executives, account managers, and project leads. 
 

Performance Monitoring: Closely collaborate with service delivery management teams to monitor and evaluate the performance of Microsoft in delivering products, services, and support to our organization, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary. 
 

Third Party Risk Management: Ensure appropriate ongoing monitoring of third-party risk deliverables, including compliance with regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, and contractual obligations. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies (e.g., exit strategies, tabletop exercises) to safeguard our organization's interests. 
 

Financial Management: Work across Finance and FinOps teams to understand the broad financial aspects of our relationship with Microsoft, including usage commitments, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives.  
 

Vendor Governance: Participate or mobilize governance forums to govern our engagement with Microsoft effectively. Establish communication channels, and facilitate regular governance meetings to drive accountability and transparency. 
 

Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding all matters related to our engagement with Microsoft. Help provide regular updates, reports, and insights to senior management and relevant departments to keep them informed and aligned with our strategic objectives with Microsoft. 
 

Contract Facilitation: Help coordinate the negotiation, renewal, and execution of contracts with Microsoft, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that align with our business objectives. 
 

Continuous Improvement: Assist with identifying and delivering opportunities for process optimization, innovation, and value creation within our relationship with Microsoft. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and drive continuous improvement initiatives. 
 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field (Master's degree preferred) 
 

Proven experience in vendor management, preferably with experience managing relationships with technology vendors, particularly Microsoft 
 

Strong negotiation skills and experience in contract management 

Solid understanding of risk management principles and practices, with experience in third-party risk management 
 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization 
 

Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights 
 

Project management experience and proficiency in vendor management tools and software 

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We’d love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world’s most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com.

We hope you’re excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.