Vendor Manager

As a Vendor Manager at Aviat Networks, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing relationships with external suppliers to ensure the delivery of quality goods and services in a cost-effective and timely manner. Key Responsibilities: - Identify, evaluate, and select vendors aligning with business needs and ensure a smooth onboarding process. - Establish clear contracts with defined service levels, pricing, and compliance requirements. - Regularly assess vendor performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) to meet contractual obligations. - Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to enhance collaboration and resolve issues efficiently. - Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to address supply chain disruptions, compliance failures, or financial instability. - Ensure vendors provide value for money, identify cost-saving opportunities, and drive efficiency improvements. - Address disputes, delays, or service failures promptly to minimize business impact. - Ensure vendor compliance with legal, industry, and company-specific regulations and policies. - Utilize vendor management systems (VMS) or tools to streamline procurement, reporting, and collaboration. - Manage contract renewals, renegotiations, or terminations based on performance and business needs. Qualifications & Competencies: - Bachelors degree preferred or equivalent relevant experience. - Minimum 10+ years of experience in related fields. - Strong ability to work with external customers, partners, and vendors. - Ability to handle challenges, overcome obstacles, and make sound decisions. - Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and VMS. - Excellent oral and written communication skills. - Ability to multitask, adapt to changing priorities, and manage deadlines. - Strong problem-solving, escalation handling, analytical thinking, and negotiation skills. - Flexibility to work additional hours as needed.,