Custom Software Engineering Lead

Project Role : Custom Software Engineering Lead Project Role Description : Own the technical direction and architecture of custom software solutions, leading teams through design and delivery. Set development standards and ensure code quality, scalability, and performance aligned to business objectives. Must have skills : Vendor Management Good to have skills : Contract Management, Program Project Management Minimum 7.5 year(s) of experience is required Educational Qualification : 15 years full time education

1. ROLE PURPOSE VMO SME owns the IT Vendor Management activities within the Daimler Truck s Vendor Management Office (VMO), driving execution, governance, financial oversight, vendor performance monitoring and continuous improvement across all vendor-related processes for the assigned portfolio. The role requires strong coordination global Technology, Sourcing, Finance, and Business Operations teams to ensure effective vendor execution, contractual compliance, financial transparency and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate combines structured leadership and project management capability with hands-on experience in vendor governance, contract administration, financial reporting and invoice/payment coordination. 1.1 Vendor & Contract Governance Own execution of vendor management strategy, governance processes and related performance tracking for the assigned vendor portfolio. Manage and maintain contract-related information within the Vendor Management System, ensuring data accuracy and completeness. Own the implementation, administration and tracking of contract management processes across vendors and services. Coordinate with Sourcing teams on vendor onboarding, contract execution, renewals and commercial follow-up activities. Lead and oversee the managed services partner responsible for day-to-day VMO operations, ensuring effective service delivery, governance execution, reporting, and continuous alignment with Global IT objectives 1.2 Performance & Financial Oversight Monitor and report on vendor KPIs, service performance, governance metrics and financial indicators. Prepare and maintain financial reporting — spend tracking, budget visibility, invoice status reporting and vendor financial performance. Monitor vendor billing against contractual terms and ensure compliance with internal financial and procurement controls. 1.3 Stakeholder & Vendor Relationship Management Coordinate with HQ and Global stakeholders to align priorities, monitor execution and escalate issues where required Build effective vendor relationships and own day-to-day vendor communications and issue resolution. 1.4 Continuous Improvement Identify and drive opportunities to improve vendor governance, contract administration, reporting and operational efficiency. Build and lead a VMO capability appropriate for a centralized function, establishing methods, frameworks and tools — including use of technology/AI where relevant. 2. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 9+ years of relevant professional experience in Vendor Management, Contract Management, Sourcing, Procurement Operations, Project Management or related functions, including experience operating at Lead level. Post-Graduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Proven experience owning vendor governance, contract administration and cross-functional operational processes at scale. Strong working experience with financial reporting, invoice tracking, spend monitoring and accounts payable coordination. Experience in Digital Technology vendor management or an IT services environment strongly preferred. Familiarity with Vendor Management Systems, contract repositories or procurement tools. Understanding of purchase orders, invoice reconciliation, accruals, payment cycles and financial controls. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. ITIL certification preferred PMP / PRINCE2 certification desirable. 3. KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills. Strong project/program management capability, able to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines. Proven ability to drive process simplification, standardisation and continuous improvement. Ability to analyse data, identify issues, draw sound conclusions and recommend practical actions. Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution and attention to detail. Self-starter, able to work independently, solve problems proactively and perform under pressure. Strong ability to coordinate across global functions while managing multiple priorities effectively.