Director of Vendor Management

The Director of Operational Vendor Management plays a critical role in ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of vendor relationships within the organization. This position involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of vendor management, from vendor selection and onboarding to performance evaluation and contract renewal. The director collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to identify business needs, evaluate vendor capabilities, and negotiate agreements that align with organizational objectives. Additionally, they are responsible for monitoring vendor performance, resolving issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to optimize vendor relationships and minimize risks.

The Director of Operational Vendor Management reports to the VP, Shared Services & Chief of Staff and works closely with cross-functional teams, including procurement, legal, finance, and operations, to support the organization's vendor management objectives.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Vendor Selection and Onboarding:
• Lead the process of identifying potential vendors through market research, RFPs, and vendor assessments.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and capabilities to ensure alignment with business requirements and strategic objectives.
• Oversee the negotiation of contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Manage the onboarding process for new vendors, including due diligence, contract execution, and integration with internal systems.
• Vendor Performance Management:
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure vendor performance.
• Monitor vendor performance against agreed-upon metrics and SLAs.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and address any performance issues or discrepancies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive vendor accountability and ensure service quality.
• Contract Management and Compliance:
• Maintain a centralized repository of vendor contracts and agreements.
• Ensure compliance with contractual terms, regulations, and industry standards.
• Manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations as necessary.
• Work with legal and procurement teams to mitigate legal and financial risks associated with vendor relationships.
• Relationship Management:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key vendor relationships.
• Foster positive and collaborative relationships with vendors to drive mutual success.
• Facilitate regular communication and strategic alignment between internal teams and vendors.
• Address vendor concerns, escalations, and disputes in a timely and professional manner.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
• Identify opportunities to optimize vendor relationships and streamline processes.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive continuous improvement and innovation in vendor management practices.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in vendor management.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of vendor support analysts/managers to deliver outstanding service and achieve performance goals.
• Prepare regular reports on vendor performance, customer feedback, and key metrics for senior management.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of contract negotiation, vendor risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across different functions and levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving results and achieving cost savings through vendor optimization initiatives.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity, Certified Purchasing Manager) are a plus.

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