About this role
How do you help make a difference? As a Contract Manager, you will be part of the Procurement, Contract and Vendor Management team within B-IT (the IT department of SNCB/NMBS through YPTO). You will operate in a complex IT environment that is critical to business continuity and will be responsible for leading strategic IT procurement initiatives, as well as managing and optimizing a portfolio of IT contracts with significant financial, operational, and regulatory impact. For this role, the focus is primarily on the procurement of IT services such as ADMS (Application Development, Maintenance and Support) and cybersecurity-related services. You will lead complex IT procurement projects end-to-end and define sourcing strategies aligned with SNCB’s digital roadmap. From an operational perspective, you will drive requirements gathering in collaboration with internal stakeholders, define procurement strategies, and oversee the preparation of technical specifications, working closely with SNCB’s Procurement department and the various IT departments involved (SMEs). What is your role at SNCB? As a Contract and Vendor Manager, you will be responsible for the following: You will lead or coordinate complex public procurement processes (goods and services), including defining the procurement strategy, governing the evaluation process, and conducting technical and contractual negotiations, in collaboration with the internal procurement teams responsible for ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation. In a multi-vendor environment, you will be responsible for the full governance of IT contracts, including performance monitoring (SLAs/KPIs), proactive risk management, and corrective actions to ensure service continuity and value creation. Through your close relationships with internal clients and your understanding of the IT landscape and market, you will gain a deep understanding of their needs and help design appropriate contractual solutions, pricing mechanisms, and systems for monitoring and evaluating service delivery (KPIs). You will manage relationships with strategic suppliers, including escalation management, resolution of complex disputes, and senior-level negotiations. You will manage a portfolio of critical IT contracts, ensuring visibility on contract deadlines, risks, optimization opportunities, and financial impact. You will contribute directly to cost control, contract optimization, and the management of contractual, financial, and regulatory risks. You will act as a business partner and trusted advisor to management by challenging requirements and helping guide strategic decisions. The role is characterized by the simultaneous management of complex projects and contracts with significant financial impact and a direct influence on the continuity of IT services.