Job
Description
Synopsis: We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Vendor Manager to oversee and optimize our vendor relationships. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing vendor communications, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, evaluating performance against SLAs and KPIs, and collaborating cross-functionally to align vendor services with business objectives. This role is critical to maintaining service excellence, driving cost efficiency, and mitigating third-party risks. A Day in Your Life: Serve as the primary point of contact for all vendor-related communication. Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure clear alignment of expectations and deliverables. Evaluate vendor performance using defined SLAs, KPIs, and other performance metrics. Collaborate with procurement and sourcing teams to identify, assess, and onboard new vendors. Lead negotiations for contract terms, pricing, service levels, and performance standards. Ensure vendors comply with internal policies, legal standards, and industry regulations. Maintain and manage accurate vendor documentation, including contracts, certifications, and records. Handle escalations and drive timely resolution of vendor-related issues or service disruptions. Monitor delivery timelines, service quality, and adherence to scope. Coordinate with internal departments including finance, legal, operations, and IT to support vendor governance. Support and streamline vendor onboarding and offboarding processes. Track and report on vendor-related metrics, including cost savings and compliance performance. Recommend and implement strategies for continuous improvement and cost optimization. Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in vendor and supplier management. Skills in the spotlight: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Masters preferred). 47 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain operations. Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Familiarity with vendor management systems (VMS), contract lifecycle management tools, and ERP platforms. Strong analytical and reporting skills, with proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools. Knowledge of compliance, risk management, and SLA/KPI frameworks. Experience working in cross-functional environments.
