Operations

Head of Vendor Operations

Looking to hire your next Head of Vendor Operations? Here’s a full job description template to use as a guide.

About Vintti

Vintti is a forward-thinking staffing agency at the forefront of global talent solutions. We specialize in connecting US-based SMBs, startups, and firms with highly skilled professionals from Latin America. Our innovative approach breaks down geographical barriers, allowing businesses to tap into a rich pool of diverse talent while offering Latin American professionals access to exciting international career opportunities. Vintti builds bridges across continents, fostering cultural exchange and driving business growth through strategic staffing solutions.

Description

The Head of Vendor Operations is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the relationships and performance of an organization's external vendors. This role involves strategic planning, vendor selection, contract management, and continuous performance evaluation to ensure alignment with the company's goals and standards. By developing and maintaining strong partnerships, the Head of Vendor Operations ensures that goods and services are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with quality requirements. This role also plays a critical part in mitigating risks, resolving issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the vendor management framework.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in vendor management or supply chain operations.
- Proven experience in overseeing vendor relationships and negotiations.
- Strong knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements.
- Exceptional analytical skills and experience with performance metrics.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
- Proficient in using vendor management software and tools.
- Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- Experience leading and developing a team of professionals.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and stakeholders.
- Experience developing and implementing vendor management strategies.
- Proven track record of improving operational efficiency through vendor management.
- Ability to identify and mitigate risks in vendor operations.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts effectively.
- Experience in conducting performance reviews and audits of vendors.
- Ability to stay current with industry trends and changes in vendor services and technologies.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports to senior management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Certification in Supply Chain Management or Vendor Management (preferred).

Responsabilities

- Oversee the end-to-end vendor management process.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Develop and implement strategies for optimizing vendor performance.
- Improve operational efficiency through vendor management.
- Establish and maintain strong vendor and supplier relationships.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and audits of vendors.
- Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with vendors.
- Coordinate with internal departments to assess vendor needs.
- Monitor and analyze vendor performance metrics.
- Identify areas for vendor performance improvement.
- Resolve conflicts or issues with vendors promptly.
- Ensure accurate processing of vendor payments and invoices.
- Maintain records of all vendor agreements, contracts, and communications.
- Lead a team of vendor management professionals.
- Provide guidance and support to the vendor management team.
- Develop and deliver training programs for the team.
- Prepare and present vendor operations reports to senior management.
- Stay informed about industry trends and vendor technologies.
- Implement and enforce vendor management policies and procedures.
- Coordinate vendor onboarding and offboarding processes.
- Collaborate with the procurement team to identify new vendors.
- Evaluate capabilities of potential new vendors.
- Align vendor activities with company strategic goals.
- Identify and mitigate risks in vendor operations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in vendor management.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the role of Head of Vendor Operations is a seasoned professional with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in vendor management or supply chain operations. They possess a proven track record of overseeing complex vendor relationships and negotiations, demonstrating exceptional analytical skills and a strong command of industry regulations and compliance requirements. This individual excels in contract management and is proficient in vendor management software and tools, with a strategic mindset and the ability to develop and implement effective vendor management strategies. They are an exceptional leader, able to inspire and guide a team of vendor management professionals, and are adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and suppliers. The ideal candidate is results-driven, goal-oriented, and detail-oriented, with excellent project management skills and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives. They are an outstanding communicator with strong presentation skills, capable of working collaboratively with internal departments and stakeholders to align vendor activities with the company’s strategic objectives. This individual is a proactive problem solver with a solution-focused mindset, staying current with industry trends and leveraging their high level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct to thrive under pressure and deliver exceptional results. They are highly organized, able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively, and demonstrate a customer-centric approach to vendor management. Furthermore, they are tech-savvy, with proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and relevant software, and are committed to lifelong learning to continually enhance their expertise and effectiveness in vendor management.

On a typical day, you will...

- Oversee the end-to-end vendor management process, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Develop and implement strategies to optimize vendor performance and improve operational efficiency.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and suppliers.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and audits of vendor services and deliverables.
- Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with vendors to secure the best possible deals.
- Coordinate with internal departments to understand their vendor needs and requirements.
- Monitor and analyze vendor performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement.
- Resolve any conflicts or issues that arise with vendors promptly and effectively.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor payments and invoices.
- Maintain up-to-date records of all vendor agreements, contracts, and communications.
- Lead a team of vendor management professionals, providing guidance and support.
- Develop and deliver training programs to improve team performance and vendor relations.
- Prepare and present reports on vendor operations and performance to senior management.
- Stay informed about industry trends and changes in vendor services and technologies.
- Implement and enforce company policies and procedures related to vendor management.
- Coordinate vendor onboarding and offboarding processes.
- Collaborate with the procurement team to identify new potential vendors and evaluate their capabilities.
- Ensure that all vendor activities align with the company’s strategic goals and objectives.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with vendor operations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor management processes and outcomes.

What we are looking for

- Strategic thinker with a visionary approach
- Results-driven and goal-oriented
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills
- Outstanding negotiation abilities
- Strong influencer with excellent relationship-building skills
- Detail-oriented and highly organized
- Proactive problem solver with a solution-focused mindset
- Adaptable and open to change
- Effective communicator across all levels of the organization
- Analytical mindset with strong data interpretation skills
- High integrity and ethical conduct
- Resilient and able to thrive under pressure
- Innovative with a continuous improvement orientation
- Customer-centric approach to vendor management
- Collaborative and a team player
- Strong sense of accountability and responsibility
- High level of professionalism and reliability
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
- Tech-savvy with a good grasp of relevant software and tools
- Lifelong learner, keen to stay updated with industry trends and best practices

What you can expect (benefits)

- Competitive salary range: $120,000 - $160,000 annually
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays
- Flexible work schedule and remote work options
- Professional development and training programs
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education
- Wellness programs including gym membership discounts
- Employee assistance program (EAP) offering counseling and support services
- Life and disability insurance coverage
- Parental leave and family support policies
- Employee recognition and rewards programs
- Opportunities for career advancement and growth within the company
- Company-sponsored events, team-building activities, and retreats
- Commuter benefits and transportation assistance
- Discounted products and services from partner vendors
- Supportive and inclusive company culture
- Access to the latest vendor management software and tools
- Mentorship and leadership development programs

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