IT Vendor Strategy & Architecture Lead
We are looking for a Digital Vendor Strategy Lead who will sit at the intersection of technology strategy, architecture, and vendor management.
This role is not a traditional procurement or commercial sourcing position. It is a technology-driven leadership role, responsible for shaping how third‑party vendors, platforms, and cloud providers are selected, governed, and integrated into Digital landscape.
You will work closely with Digital Architecture, Platform Owners, Cybersecurity, Cloud teams, and Procurement to ensure vendor decisions are technically sound, scalable, secure, and economically sustainable.
What will be your key responsibilities:
- Define and continuously evolve the Digital vendor strategy in alignment with target architectures, platform roadmaps, and global Digital priorities.
-Translate technology strategy into clear vendor positioning: strategic partners, preferred vendors, and exit candidates.
- Prevent vendor‑driven architecture by enforcing technology standards and long‑term design principles.
Technical Evaluation & Decision Support
- Lead technical evaluation of vendors and solutions across cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), enterprise systems (SAP, Salesforce, PLM), cybersecurity, and AI‑enabled solutions.
- Challenge architectural, scalability, security, and operability assumptions proposed by vendors.
- Assess technical trade‑offs between cost optimization and long‑term platform sustainability.
Architecture & Platform Alignment
- Act as a strong partner to Digital Architects and Platform Owners, ensuring vendor choices reinforce target architectures.
- Identify opportunities for technology rationalization, simplification, and platform consolidation.
- Support FinOps‑driven optimization of cloud and SaaS consumption models.
Execution & Governance
- Contribute technical leadership to RFQs, vendor evaluations, and selection processes.
- Support Procurement during negotiations by providing technical insights, risk assessments, and cost drivers.
- Define and monitor vendor performance from a technical, operational, and risk perspective.
Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Influence stakeholders across regions and Digital domains without formal authority.
- Act as a technical counterbalance between Digital delivery teams, vendors, and commercial stakeholders.
- Drive consistent vendor and technology decisions across Marelli’s global organization.
What experience should you have:
Education & Background
- University degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of enterprise IT and Digital platforms, including:
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
- Enterprise applications (SAP, Salesforce, PLM, production planning systems)
- Cybersecurity (IAM, endpoint protection, network security)
- IT service management and operating models (ITIL, ServiceNow)
- Emerging technologies such as AI and data platforms
Strategic & Analytical Skills
- Ability to assess vendors and technologies beyond features — including architecture fit, scalability, security, and long‑term sustainability.
- Experience with cost drivers, TCO logic, and technology economics (hands‑on FinOps experience is a plus).
Leadership & Influence
- Credibility to challenge architects, engineering leaders, and vendors on technical grounds.
- Strong communication skills to translate complex technical topics for senior stakeholders.
- Comfortable operating in complex, global, and matrixed environments.
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What Will Make You Successful
- You think like an ARCHITECT, not like a buyer.
- You are comfortable saying “this is technically not the right solution”— and explaining why.
- You balance technical excellence with pragmatic business outcomes.
- You are driven by long‑term platform health, not short‑term vendor convenience.
What do you get in return:
- A high‑impact role shaping the future Digital landscape of a global automotive leader.
- Strong executive visibility and influence on technology decisions.
- A remote working model supporting focus, flexibility, and collaboration.
- Continuous learning and development in a fast‑evolving Digital environment.
