The Advanced Senior IT Vendor Management Specialist executes assigned aspects of the Vendor Management Program for the Company, including the development and implementation of enhancements to the Vendor Management program focused on high complexity/high spend vendors. This individual is responsible for providing leadership and vision in the development and execution of the vendor management program for IT with a focus on high complexity/high spend vendors, which includes the documentation, implementation and maintenance of the IT vendor management processes, standards, and metrics tracking. This role is accountable for all activities associated with effectively building and maintaining external third party partner/vendor/outsourcing relationships, which includes establishing and monitoring the IT Vendor Service Level Agreements (SLA) against contract terms for high complexity/high spend vendors and business partners; management and performance monitoring of high complexity/high spend all IT vendors; serving as the primary liaison between legal, project leads and other key stakeholders in the contract negotiation process. This position will work with the IT Leadership team and participate in the development of strategic sourcing strategies and vendor relationship management strategies for high complexity/high spend vendors and will provide recommendations on in/out-sourcing decisions and selection of alternative vendors. As part of on-going responsibilities, the Advanced Senior IT Vendor Management Specialist will facilitate regular communication concerning projects to ensure key performance indicators are achieved and maintained. Acts as the primary contact and will own the communication with IT vendor relationship owners within Western & Southern Financial Group and will engage with IT vendors as needed. Works with minimal supervision and is responsible for making an established range of decisions, escalating to Manager when necessary and updating Manager on a regular basis.

What you will do:

• Reviews and proposes updates to Vendor Management policies and programs to ensure compliance with regulatory and other stakeholder expectations.
• Develops, operates and maintains the IT Vendor Management Program as it relates to high complexity/high spend vendors. This includes, but is not limited to, collaborating with leadership and business partners to create clear IT Vendor Management program goals, and communicating goals internally so stakeholders are aware of expectations.
• Works with business units 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.
• Manages IT vendor relationships and serves as the point of contact for IT vendor relationship owners, formalizes direct relationships and clear communication between strategic IT vendors and internal resources and stakeholders, and facilitates the resolution of escalated IT vendor-related issues with a focus on high complexity/high spend vendors.
• Oversees vendor engagement involved in projects and programs involving but not limited to, developing and managing the RFI/RFP process, developing strategy and approach to score, management of the procurement process, contract negotiation, and successful vendor relationship management and communication.
• Creates and leads Participates in ongoing training of business units and shared service units to ensure all departments are aware of vendor oversight requirements. Serves as liaison between IT and the Business areas (i.e. contracting, procurement, accounting, and budget) and ensures that requirements are well-communicated and well-understood, and clearly defines expectations from the business. Builds transparent partnerships within IT, the various business units and the vendor community 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.
• Works closely with other risk management and audit functions to ensure proper coordination among the groups related to vendor management controls. Assists with the coordination of Internal Audits as needed.
• Creates and leads in the development and execution of the Vendor Management business continuity plan.
• Drives ongoing process improvement of the IT 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 and operational efficiency in all business partner processes.
• Creates, continuously improves process to establish SLA and metrics dashboard including quality measurements, vendor scorecarding, vendor performance and monitoring of stakeholder satisfaction. Regularly reviews and evaluates internal and external Service Level Agreements to identify areas of improvement.
• Insures compliance with the operating policies and procedures. Completes compliance training, adheres to all anti-money laundering guideline and procedures and all regulatory requirements. Collaborates with Corporate Procurement to ensure compliance with vendor and procurement policies and procedures.
• Creates and leads training of new associates within Vendor Management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

• Bachelor's Degree From an accredited college of university in Information Technology, Business Management (Accounting/Finance), Computer Science or a related field or commensurate selection criteria experience. (Required)
• 10+ years Experience managing a vendor management office for an information technology organization; including contract negotiation, vendor performance management, preparing and evaluating RFPs, relationship management, and a strong understanding of project management methodologies. (Required)
• 10+ years Experience managing technology vendors including contractual performance. (Required)
• Proven experience coordinating multiple assignments simultaneously, and completing tasks accurately and on a timely basis. (Required)
• Demonstrated experience interacting and building relationships with customers throughout the corporate structure. (Required)
• Demonstrated experience working independently. Experience must include identifying and resolving problems, where decision-making and initiative are demonstrated. (Required)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills conveys information to stakeholders in a clear, accurate, focused and concise manner. Demonstrated ability to document procedures and activities in a manner that is understandable to others and prepared using a prescribed format: demonstrated ability to effectively use the English language in verbal and written format, including elements of grammar, punctuation, diction and spelling proficiency.
• Proven ability to successfully and frequently interpret and communicate business needs among internal customers and external vendors in a clear, focused and concise manner (includes discussions, correspondence, reports, and forms).
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic approach for negotiating with highly complex/high spend IT software/hardware vendors.
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail with good organizational skills. Ability to continuously define problems, collect or interpret data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Cite examples of self-motivation and experience working under limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-function
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Preferred current procurement or supply management certification from an accredited government recognized organization e.g., Certified Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Supply Manager (CPSM), Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) Upon Hire (Preferred)

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:

• None