Job Summary
The Lead, IT Vendor Management leads the management of Porter Airlines’ technology vendor portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment, performance excellence, and cost optimization across the IT organization. Reporting to the Vice President, Architecture, Infrastructure and Operations, this role establishes and reinforces vendor management practices that support operational resilience, contractual compliance, and long-term value creation. The Lead monitors vendor performance, justifies renewal and investment decisions, and drives cost-saving opportunities in collaboration with IT Procurement, IT leadership, and business stakeholders. This role also advises internal teams on vendor strategy, delegates ownership of specific contracts where appropriate, and fosters strong, accountable partnerships with external providers.
Duties & Responsibilities
Manage relationships between Porter and technology system vendors, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and operational goals
Create and maintain an up-to-date catalogue of all IT vendors that enables Porter to manage and measure its vendors related to their contracts, including terms, service-level agreements/objectives, renewal dates, and expiry timelines
Serve as a primary liaison and escalation point between Porter IT and external vendors for both routine operations and incident responses
Lead regular vendor review meetings with top vendors by spend and criticality, in collaboration with IT leadership
Develop and apply a vendor performance management framework, including scorecards and KPIs
Monitor service levels against contracted commitments and escalate performance issues as required
Track ongoing vendor spend compared to forecast, and support development of forward-looking budgets
Collect and synthesize feedback about vendors from internal stakeholders and from vendors to improve service and delivery
Identify, justify and support cost savings initiatives through vendor negotiations, consolidations, or alternative solutions
Partner closely with IT Procurement and IT leadership to advise on sourcing strategies and contract renewals
Conduct external market research to identify comparative vendor options and stay informed on industry trends
Prepare and present vendor-related reporting and presentations for leadership reviews
Any other duties assigned by IT leadership
Actively participate in Porter’s Safety Management System (SMS) including reporting hazards and incidents encountered in daily operations; understand, comply and promote the Company Safety Policy
Behavioural Competencies
Concern for Safety: Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.
Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.
Passenger/Customer Service: Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers).
Initiative: Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.
Results Focus: Focusing efforts on achieving high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards.
Fostering Communication: Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus.
Qualifications
Post-secondary education in business, supply chain, technology, or a related field
5 or more years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or IT Operations.
Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office tools
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience navigating cross-functional environments
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights and executive-ready reporting
Familiarity with contract management, vendor scorecards, and service level tracking is an asset
Collaborative, proactive mindset with an interest in continuous improvement
Knowledge of the aviation industry an asset
Location
250 Yonge Street (Toronto)
Company Description
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and X.
