Manager, Vendor Management
Univera Healthcare
Buffalo, NY
Job Description NOTE: This position is aligned to support IT Vendor Management for our Analytics, Data, Technology & Digital (ADT&D) division. Summary This role is accountable for strategically managing vendor portfolios and vendor relationships for assigned internal business organizations. The incumbent acts as a senior strategic trusted advisor to the business department executives and leads a vendor management team to execute sourcing, selection, negotiations, contracting, and governance activities through proactive collaborative engagement with the business unit, cross functional stakeholders, and leaders. In addition, this role serves as a senior sourcing leader and master negotiator responsible for driving and guiding large enterprise complex vendor sourcing activities, commercial negotiations, and resolution of key vendor issues. This role oversees and supports vendor strategies, staffing models, process improvement initiatives and cost optimization efforts aligned with enterprise goals. Additionally, this leader empowers team members through mentorship and professional development. Essential Accountabilities
- Directs vendor portfolios and vendor relationships for assigned business organizations and all aspects of the vendor relationship to ensure vendor performance meets contractual obligations and business partner expectations.
- Leads a team of vendor managers in sourcing, negotiating, contracting, and governing to deliver business department vendor portfolio improved vendor performance, competitive costs, balanced risk, enhanced vendor alignment, on-time execution, and optimal business partner alignment and satisfaction.
- Conducts monthly and annual strategic vendor portfolio reviews and planning with business units providing insights on current activity, future needs, industry trends, opportunities, risks, and cost drivers to guide early engagement and sourcing decisions.
- Leads vendor contract lifecycle management including renewals, amendments, and new agreements, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness while identifying and resolving execution issues.
- Advises and partners with cross-functional teams (Legal, Finance, Security, etc.) to structure and execute major vendor sourcing strategies, negotiations, and contracting plans, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines.
- Drives complex vendor negotiations and sourcing activities, leveraging industry benchmarks and legal/financial oversight to secure favorable terms and resolve major vendor issues
- Champions Supplier Diversity initiatives internally and externally and influences others to drive greater supplier diversity spend.
- Drives formal governance framework to drive improvement for quality, delivery and support, flexibility and ease, cost and financials, risks and compliances, strategic partnership alignment and innovation for select vendors.
- Provides vendor management leadership for corporate enterprise priority projects.
- In partnership with Supplier Solutions director and business unit executives, supports the development and execution of cost model optimization strategies including alternative sourcing and vendor rationalization.
- Provides required vendor management support for business unit ongoing operational activities and projects.
- Leads or supports optimization of vendor management framework, practices, policies, and operating models, contributing to departmental initiatives and best-in-class procedures.
- Builds and maintains strong supplier and stakeholder relationships, fostering collaboration and supporting effective contract implementation in complex environments.
- Conducts internal and external market analysis to assess risk, gain competitive intelligence, and inform sourcing strategies. Guides the development of procurement dashboards and key performance metrics.
- Provides leadership and strategic direction to the Vendor Management and sourcing teams, fostering team development, performance and organizational value.
- Develops talent through ongoing mentorship, coaching, training, and performance management.
- Supports development and execution of strategic staffing plans for respective area balancing direct hires, consultants, staff augmentation, and managed services to deliver on near and long-term goals.
- Supports or leads procurement training initiatives, supporting capability building across the vendor management function
- Consistently demonstrates high standards of integrity by supporting the Lifetime Healthcare Companies’ mission and values, adhering to the Corporate Code of Conduct, and leading to the Lifetime Way values and beliefs.
- Maintains high regard for member privacy in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures.
- Maintains knowledge of all relevant legislative and regulatory mandates and ensures that all activities are compliant with these requirements.
- Conducts periodic staff meetings to include timely distribution and education related to departmental and Ethics/Compliance information.
- Regular and reliable attendance is expected and required.
- Performs other functions as assigned by management.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, IT, Business, Finance, or relevant field with ten or more years of related work experience in vendor management, sourcing and contract negotiation. In lieu of degree, twelve cumulative years of related work experience. MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
- Three or more years people leadership experience.
- Subject matter expertise in multiple categories / commodities. Exceptional ability to think strategically, craft a vision and develop robust operational action plans. Ability to make critical decisions that impact the Company’s operational / financial position.
- Solid understanding of procurement and contracting laws and regulations, including the ability to clearly draft commercial contract terminology.
- Knowledge and understanding of enterprise business risk management.
- Proven expertise developing and driving strategic initiatives in sourcing and procurement space and delivering significant procurement cost reductions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence strategic, high value, and complex negotiations with top tier enterprise vendors.
- Strong proficiency with procurement, sourcing, vendor management and ERP-related technologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; the flexibility to work effectively and efficiently in a demanding environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and drive toward resolutions.
- Strong, persuasive, collaborative and effective communication, people, and management skills.
- Highly polished presentation skills, expert teambuilding and robust leadership skills.
- Proven ability to attract, mentor, lead and develop key vendor management and sourcing team talent.
- Ability to be a liaison between business teams and technical areas across the Health Plan.
- Ability to work while sitting and/or standing at a workstation viewing a computer and using a keyboard, mouse and/or phone for three (3) or more hours at a time.
- Ability to travel across the Health Plan service region for meetings and/or trainings as needed.
- Ability to orally communicate
Posted 2026-02-27
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