Managing Vendors: Tools, Templates, and Tactics for Success

Master Vendor Management with Templates, Tools & Tactics to Boost Performance and Reduce Risk

What you'll learn
- Understand the full vendor lifecycle from sourcing to offboarding, and apply structured processes to manage each stage effectively and consistently.
- Learn to evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors using real-world tools like RFPs, scorecards, and performance-based contracts.
- Develop the skills to track vendor performance using KPIs, SLAs, dashboards, and improvement plans to drive accountability and business value.
- Build and manage strategic vendor relationships through clear communication, risk management, collaboration, and technology integration.

Requirements
- No prior experience is required.

Description
In a world where outsourcing and third-party services are essential to business success,managing vendors effectively has become a critical skill. This course is your comprehensive guide to mastering vendor management with a practical, hands-on approach.

Designed for professionals in IT, procurement, operations, and service management, this course equips you with thetools, templates, and real-world tacticsyou need to select the right vendors, negotiate strong contracts, monitor performance, and build long-term strategic partnerships.

You’ll learn how to:

Set up a structured vendor selection process

Evaluate vendor proposals using scoring models

Draft and manage contracts with SLAs, penalties, and escalation clauses

Define KPIs and dashboards for performance monitoring

Communicate effectively and manage vendor relationships

Use risk management techniques to reduce exposure

Apply AI-driven tools and platforms for smarter vendor oversight

Included with this course:

Downloadable templates for RFPs, scorecards, contracts, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Sample documents for evaluation, reporting, and communication

AI-powered role-play exercises to help you practice key conversations and decisions

End-of-section quizzes and a final project to apply your learning immediately

Whether you’re new to vendor management or want to refine your skills, this course will help you lead with confidence and achieve better results from your vendor partnerships.

Who this course is for:
- Professionals responsible for vendor, supplier, or partner relationships
- IT, procurement, and operations managers working with third-party providers
- Project managers overseeing outsourced services or multi-vendor environments
- Business leaders seeking to align vendor strategy with company goals
- Anyone involved in contract negotiation, risk assessment, or vendor performance
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