Vendor Manager

Overview

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized leader at the forefront of technological innovation, shaping the future of how people connect, work, and live. This organization is dedicated to creating impactful solutions that touch millions worldwide, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration drive progress. We are seeking exceptional talent to join their dynamic team and contribute to projects that redefine industry standards. Are you a strategic and detail-oriented professional with a passion for optimizing partnerships and driving performance?

We are looking for a Vendor Manager to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of critical projects. In this role, you won’t just manage vendors; you’ll be instrumental in shaping the efficiency, quality, and strategic alignment of external partnerships, directly impacting project outcomes and contributing to the broader success of groundbreaking initiatives. You will be at the heart of fostering strong, productive relationships, ensuring that every external collaboration delivers maximum value and innovation.

**What you’ll do:**

* Drive the creation and maintenance of essential operational documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process maps, workflow documentation, help resources, and relevant training and certification programs.

* Manage vendor access and hardware requests, coordinating seat assignments, space requirements, and system deployments to ensure seamless operations. * Conduct and deliver comprehensive business reviews, summarizing vendor performance, and facilitating strategic feedback on overall scaling strategies.

* Collaborate closely with cross-functional experts to develop and refine various Training & Transition capabilities and standards, enhancing overall operational excellence.

* Oversee invoice and purchase order (PO) management, including approvals, ensuring vendor compliance with billing and cost processes, owning PO structures, and managing fund allocation.

* Establish and track quarterly targets for all assigned vendor engagements, leading performance conversations with stakeholders and leadership to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

* Monitor and manage the overall budget for all assigned engagements, identifying potential over-spend or under-spend, utilizing open budget for new launches, regularly updating spend forecasts, and reporting actual spend against forecasts to stakeholders.

* Define and implement clear escalation processes for product-specific queries from the vendor workforce to internal stakeholder teams, and for issues flagged by internal teams back to vendors.

* Work closely with cross-functional Quality Specialists or directly with vendors to ensure that all service level agreements (SLAs) are consistently met.

* Lead quality performance management initiatives by ensuring the collection of QA insights from vendors, verifying that vendors deliver on all expected quality audits/reviews, and assisting with pre-launch quality readiness.

* Optimize vendor productivity through effective forecasting of defined labor requirements and meticulous creation and oversight of scheduling.

**Must-Have Skills:**

* Proficiency in Project Management

* Expertise in Vendor Performance management

* Strong understanding of End-to-End Supplier Management

* Demonstrated Domain Specific Knowledge relevant to vendor operations

* Experience in Vendor Process Design and Improvement

* Proficiency in Vendor Selection methodologies

* Proven ability in Stakeholder Relationship Management

* Experience with Onboarding processes

* In-depth knowledge of Vendor SLA (Service Level Agreement) management

* Solid Business Operations Knowledge

* Exceptional Consultative Skills

* Strong Business Acumen

About Aquent Talent: Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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