Summary of Responsibilities:

Leads a team of exempt associates responsible for executing Vendor Management Program priorities for Western & Southern vendors. Includes the design, implementation and maintenance of the evolving vendor management processes, standards, and key metrics, as appropriate for the size and complexity of the Company. Leads negotiation strategy and execution for high spend/high risk vendors and provides general assistance and guidance, as appropriate, for other vendor negotiations. Leads team accountable for ensuring vendor relationship owners understand and properly execute their responsibilities via implementing processes for consistent oversight and education regarding expectations.

This role serves as the primary executive liaison between legal, project leads and other key stakeholders in the vendor management process, as appropriate, and serves as the executive responsible for partnering with vendor relationship owners to develop strategic sourcing strategies and vendor relationship management strategies and will provide recommendations on in/out-sourcing decisions and selection of alternative vendors. Leads team responsible for effectively communicating key metrics related to the execution and performance of the vendor management program. Works with minimal supervision and is responsible for making an established range of decisions, escalating to senior management when necessary.

Position Responsibilities:

• Leads development of the Vendor Management Program. This includes, but is not limited to, collaborating with leadership, IT, business partners, Legal and Sourcing & Corporate Procurement to create clear Vendor Management Program policies, goals, internal controls and communications so stakeholders are aware of expectations. Builds transparent partnerships between vendor relationship owners and other key internal stakeholders to drive proper alignment on business and operational topics. Collaborates with key stakeholders in the business to establish, prioritize and track strategic requirements to be communicated to vendors, as well as to ensure vendor partners are effectively managed and contracts are fully leveraged. Drives ongoing process improvements of the Vendor Management Program by staying current with industry best practices and by regular collaboration with business partners and functional owners to identify and implement potential program improvements, including operational efficiencies.

• Leads team responsible for providing centralized oversight of high spend vendors, including, as needed, negotiation strategy and support, RFX design and execution, relationship management, performance management and risk assessments. Partners with vendor relationship owners to complete vendor classifications and vendor risk assessments; assists with completion of various vendor oversight requirements at time of vendor relationship initiation, and requirements specific to contract renewal. These requirements include, but are not limited to, contract review and analysis, review and analysis of periodic Statement of Reporting Controls (SSAE 18 reports), Information Security Documents, FFIEC reports, Certificate of Insurance and other documentation as required.

• Leads team responsible for providing expertise and advice to associates involved with vendor negotiations and selection. Stays current on trends in our business, networking and being aware of our competitors' strategies and major operational initiatives. Correctly establishes priority around high spend/high risk vendors and initiatives. This includes development and maintainenance of a negotiation model that provides general instruction on preparation and planning for typical negotiations with vendors. Assists in formal negotiation sessions as required with priority given to high-spend/high-risk vendors.

• Develops processes and methods to enhance knowledge and skills of the vendor management team and vendor relationship owners in negotiations, vendor relationship management, vendor performance evaluations and procurement ethics/laws.

• Recruits, hires, trains and develops staff. Provides direction to and development of associates through daily coaching, the administration of the Performance Management Program, and the creation and implementation of development plans.

• Performs all other duties assigned by management.

Selection Criteria:

• 10+ years’ experience managing a vendor management function with an emphasis on information technology; including contract negotiation, vendor performance management, preparing and evaluating RFPs, relationship management, and a strong understanding of project management methodologies. Experience preparing, recommending, interpreting and overseeing compliance with vendor management policies and procedures.

• Proven experience with contract preparation/evaluation/review, negotiation skills/methods, specialized purchasing business code of ethics, research/analytical capabilities, purchasing and contract law (Law of Agency, Uniform Commercial Code, Trade Restraint and Price Discrimination).

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management. Demonstrated excellent verbal/written communication skills with the ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner. This would include strong presentation skills to a variety of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks. Organizes and coordinates multiple projects/assignments simultaneously, and completes assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis, while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor. Ability to continuously define problems, collect or interpret data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

• Demonstrated strong team orientation and excellent interpersonal skills while interacting in a team atmosphere. Proven experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with suppliers, internal team members and customers.

• Proven strong analytical skills acquired through hands-on experience identifying and quantifying problems and providing effective resolutions.

• Proven past experience creating and maintaining well controlled business processes. Can cite examples of having successfully reengineered processes to achieve maximum efficiency and productivity. Possesses a strong focus on continuous improvement and/or total quality management.

• Demonstrated experience working independently. Experience must include identifying and resolving problems, where decision-making and initiative are demonstrated.

• Cite examples of self-motivation and experience working under limited supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-functional team environment (business and information technology).

Work Setting:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time frequently while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.

• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Computer Skills and Knowledge of Hardware & Software Required:

• Working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and familiarity and experience with automated purchasing and vendor management systems.

Certifications & Licenses (i.e., Series 6 & 63, CPA, etc.):

• Current purchasing or contract management certification, e.g., Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM).

Position Demands:

• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects.