Director, Vendor Operations

Role Overview: As the Director of Vendor Operations at Global Vendor Delivery and Solutions within Microsoft Business Operations, you will be responsible for leading global vendor execution, driving supplier innovation, and ensuring robust operational controls across the vendor ecosystem for Revenue Operations. Your role will involve managing a team of talented Service Delivery Managers (SDMs) operating across multiple time zones, ensuring consistent performance, compliance, and strategic alignment with business goals. Key Responsibilities: - Own end-to-end vendor delivery across service lines, ensuring SLAs, KPIs, and contractual obligations are met. - Lead monthly and quarterly business reviews and performance scorecards with strategic suppliers across Microsoft Business Operations. - Resolve escalations and drive continuous improvement initiatives. - Partner with strategic vendors to co-develop innovative solutions that enhance service delivery, drive quality, reduce cycle time, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce cost. - Evaluate emerging technologies and service models for applicability across the vendor landscape. - Foster a culture of innovation and agility within the supplier ecosystem. - Ensure adherence to internal controls, regulatory requirements, and risk management frameworks. - Lead audits and remediation efforts across vendor operations. - Maintain robust governance processes for onboarding, performance tracking, and offboarding. - Own the vendor operations budget, including forecasting, tracking, and optimization. - Ensure cost-effective delivery while maintaining service quality and compliance. - Collaborate with Finance and Procurement to align spend with strategic priorities. - Lead the integration of AI and automation into vendor operations to improve efficiency and decision-making. - Identify opportunities for AI-driven innovation across supplier services and internal processes. - Partner with internal AI teams and vendors to pilot and scale intelligent solutions. - Manage and mentor a global team of Service Delivery Managers. - Drive team engagement, development, and succession planning. - Align team goals with broader organizational objectives and vendor strategy. Qualification Required: - Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field AND 8+ years process management, process execution, process optimization, or related experience OR Master's Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field AND 6+ years process management, process execution, process optimization, or related experience OR equivalent experience. - 4+ years people management experience. - Overall 15+ years and 10 Yrs in vendor management, service delivery, and operations roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity. - Demonstrated excellence in managing the supplier lifecycle, including tendering, negotiating, contracting, transition management, change, and termination. - Proven experience managing global teams and navigating multi-timezone operations. - Demonstrated success in driving supplier innovation and transformation initiatives. - Strong background in compliance, controls, and risk management within vendor ecosystems. - Experience in budget ownership and financial accountability. - Exposure to AI technologies and their application in operational environments. - MBA / Master's degree in Finance, Operations, or relevant subject. - Experience in supplier diversification, strategic sourcing. - Experience in scaling AI transformation across vendor ecosystems, with measurable impact. - Change Management Practitioner. - Six Sigma Black Belt.,