IT Vendor Management Analyst - Digital Technology Services

About the position Overview Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change. The IT Vendor Management Analyst supports the strategic objectives of the Information Technology Vendor Management Office (IT VMO) at Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) by overseeing IT vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and performance management. Reporting to the IT VMO Leader, this role is instrumental in driving operational efficiency, cost savings, and strategic alignment between vendors and the organization's goals. This is a hybrid position, with occasional onsite visits required in Edison, NJ. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in contract life cycle management across XaaS, Software, Hardware, Network, and Managed Service agreements. Exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities are essential, as this role involves frequent collaboration with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and key vendors. In addition to a strong foundation in financial analysis, cost optimization, and risk mitigation, we are seeking candidates with hospital system experience and familiarity with health applications/EHRs (Epic preferred). Ideal candidates understand clinical workflows, interoperability standards (HL7, FHIR), and healthcare compliance (HIPAA/HITECH, BAAs), and have negotiated EHR modules, professional services SOWs, and managed application services. Experience partnering with Clinical Leadership, HIM, Privacy, Security, and Legal teams to support upgrades, go-lives, change control, SLAs, and vendor performance KPIs is strongly desired. Hybrid position (25% on-site) Responsibilities • Support the IT VMO Leader in aligning vendor management strategies with the strategic/operational HMH objectives. • Provide insights and recommendations to assist leadership in making strategic outsourcing and vendor selection decisions. • Highlight key risks in vendor relationships and propose mitigation strategies to ensure long-term success. • Vendor Lifecycle Management Manage the full vendor lifecycle, including Request For 'x' [RF(x)] events, stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring. • Oversee vendor compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for vendor consolidation, cost savings, and strategic partnerships. • Contract Management and Negotiation Lead the review and negotiation of vendor agreements, focusing on favorable terms for cost optimization, service quality, and operational efficiency. • Ensure contracts are structured to deliver measurable business outcomes and compliance with internal policies and industry standards. • Address non-compliance issues, including service level adherence, and recommend corrective actions. • Financial Analysis and Budget Management Conduct financial analysis to identify rationalization initiatives and assess their impact on departmental budgets. • Oversee vendor-related financial activities, including budgeting, cost tracking, and adherence to financial policies. • Performance Monitoring and Risk Management Develop and implement systems for monitoring vendor performance against key performance indicators (KPIs). • Promptly address performance issues and work toward building strategic vendor partnerships. • Assess and mitigate risks associated with vendor relationships, leveraging governance frameworks to ensure ethical practices. • RFP Management and Vendor Selection Lead RF(x) efforts to consolidate spending, reduce costs, and evaluate vendor capabilities. • Analyze RFP outcomes to make informed vendor selection decisions based on business and technology needs. • Develop business cases for potential IT initiatives in collaboration with stakeholders. • Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication Act as a liaison between IT, business teams, and vendors to ensure alignment on project objectives and organizational goals. • Build collaborative relationships with internal teams, including DTS leadership, Legal, and Purchasing to drive vendor management initiatives. • Foster positive relationships with key vendors to support long-term partnerships and mutual success. • Process Improvement and Governance Identify and implement process improvements within the VMO, ensuring operational excellence through best practices. • Establish governance frameworks, tools, and templates to optimize vendor management processes and systems. • Continuously evaluate and enhance processes to align with organizational goals and deliver enterprise value. • Other duties and/or projects as assigned. • Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior. Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Finance, Economics, or a related field. • Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in IT vendor management, contract negotiation, process improvement, consulting, or strategic sourcing. • Proven experience negotiating XaaS, Software, Hardware, Network, and Managed Service agreements. • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Analytical skills, including financial cost analysis and risk mitigation strategies. • Familiarity with contracting trends, licensing models, and vendor performance metrics. • Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms. Nice-to-haves • Healthcare industry experience. Apply tot his job