Engaging and Managing Third-Party
Vendors in the Utility Sector
04 - 08 September 2025
Sandton
Johannesburg South Africa
Cost per Delegate
R19,999.00
Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving utility sector, organizations increasingly rely on third-party vendors and contractors to provide critical services, technologies, and infrastructure support. From meter installation and maintenance to IT system integration, supply chain logistics, and customer service outsourcing, vendors play a vital role in utility operations.
However, engaging third-party vendors introduces complex challenges including regulatory compliance, performance accountability, contract enforcement, cybersecurity, financial risk, and reputational concerns. Mismanagement or lack of oversight can result in service disruptions, regulatory penalties, and increased operational costs.
This comprehensive course provides utility professionals with the essential knowledge and practical tools to effectively engage, manage, and monitor third-party vendors throughout the full contract lifecycle. It focuses on building resilient vendor relationships, enforcing service-level agreements (SLAs), assessing risks, ensuring compliance with utility regulations, and driving value through strategic partnerships.
Course Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
• Understand the strategic importance of third-party vendors in the utility value chain.
• Identify and apply best practices in vendor selection, onboarding, and contract design.
• Establish performance metrics and service-level agreements to ensure accountability.
• Monitor and evaluate vendor performance using scorecards, KPIs, and reporting tools.
• Recognize and mitigate risks related to legal, financial, operational, and cybersecurity concerns.
• Ensure vendor compliance with regulatory requirements and utility sector standards.
• Manage disputes and underperformance using structured conflict resolution approaches.
• Build effective communication channels and long-term vendor relationships.
• Implement clear exit and renewal strategies to manage vendor transitions smoothly.
• Utilize digital tools and dashboards to track, analyze, and improve vendor engagement.
Who Should Attend
• Procurement Officers – responsible for sourcing and contracting third-party vendors
• Contract and Legal Advisors – managing utility service agreements and compliance
• Quality Assurance and Compliance Officers – overseeing vendor adherence to standards
• Utility Project Managers – working with outsourced partners for projects or operations
• Operations and Maintenance Managers – coordinating with service vendors
• Finance and Risk Officers – assessing vendor-related financial exposure and risks
• ICT and Digital Services Personnel – managing technology partners and systems integrators
• Audit and Internal Control Teams – evaluating third-party risks and performance
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Coordinators – engaging in joint infrastructure projects
Course Outline
Day 1: Introduction to Third-Party Vendor Engagement
• Overview of third-party vendor roles in utilities (e.g. meter suppliers, ICT firms, contractors)
• Key drivers for outsourcing and third-party engagement
• Types of vendor relationships (service contracts, supply agreements, PPPs)
• Regulatory and sector-specific challenges in vendor use
• Case Study: Failed vs successful third-party engagements
Day 2: Vendor Selection and Contracting
• Vendor prequalification and due diligence
• Developing clear and enforceable Scope of Work (SOW)
• Procurement processes: RFP, RFQ, tenders, e-procurement
• Legal frameworks in contracting (SLAs, KPIs, penalties)
• Practical Exercise: Drafting a vendor contract clause
Day 3: Vendor Onboarding, Oversight & Performance Monitoring
• Vendor onboarding checklist and documentation
• Establishing clear communication channels and escalation procedures
• Setting and reviewing KPIs, SLAs, and milestones
• Site visits, audits, and inspections
• Tools: Vendor scorecards, dashboards, and portals
• Workshop: Designing a vendor monitoring framework
Day 4: Risk, Compliance, and Conflict Management
• Identifying and mitigating risks (financial, operational, cybersecurity)
• Ensuring compliance with national utility regulations and internal policies
• Managing conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas
• Handling underperformance and breach of contract
• Role of internal audits and compliance officers in vendor oversight
• Scenario Simulation: Managing vendor non-performance
Day 5: Vendor Relationship Management and Exit Strategies
• Building long-term strategic partnerships
• Performance reviews and feedback sessions
• Vendor capacity-building and shared value creation
• Exit and renewal strategies (smooth disengagement, transition planning)
• Lessons learned and documentation for future improvement
• Final Exercise: Presenting a full-cycle vendor engagement strategy
End of the Workshop
For Training arrangements call us on the detail below
TANZANIA: +255 749 50 26 78
SOUTH AFRICA: +27 694 31 79 73
KENYA: +255 749 50 26 78
DUBAI: +27 694 31 79 73
