Director Vendor Management

Stride, Inc.•US - VA - Remote, VA

2d•$154,533 - $206,044•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Vendor Management is a key role in the overall technology and product management process at Stride. This leader oversees strategic technology vendor relationships including those that provide key product functionality and curriculum. Some of the critical vendors include: AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce, Instructure, Powerschool, Snowflake, Engageli. As part of the role, this leader is responsible for establishing a vendor management process and partnering with Business Operations, IT, Procurement, Finance and Legal to manage all critical aspects of the vendor process from contract initiation, SLA development, and contract renewals to ongoing strategic vendor performance monitoring, tracking, and reporting.

Requirements

BS/BA in technology business management, computer science or relevant field.
5+ years of experience in Vendor Management
10+ years of experience in an operational, management, or delivery roles
5+ years of experience in Vendor Management
5+ years of upper management experience and leadership skills
Outstanding knowledge of modern tech stack of cloud applications.
Extensive firsthand experience with design, development, and implementation of IT systems
Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and business operations
Analytical mind and great critical thinking skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities and history of success collaborating with executives across an organization
Strong leadership and team building skills
Direct experience driving continuous improvements in process and operational efficiencies through designing and driving standards across cross functional teams
Work toward results with a passion for technology and continuous delivery
Ability to quickly drill down to solve problems and take ownership of the resolution
Demonstrated ability to think strategically
Ability to partner cross functionally to drive complex strategic projects
Excellent management skills with the ability to work to deadlines and successfully lead multiple initiatives
Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio)
Ability to travel 10% of the time
Ability to clear required background check

Nice To Haves

Experience with Zip and NetSuite preferred
MBA Strongly Preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and deliver Vendor Management as a core capability for the Technology and Product organization
Deliver critical vendor management functions including Contract review, SLA development, and negotiations where needed
Establishing a regular cadence of vendor business reviews (quarterly business reviews)
Establishing vendor scorecards and vendor accountability measures
Management of critical renewals
Serve as an escalation point and liaison between the vendor and technology teams for key projects or issues needing operational support
Others as needed
Partner with Enterprise Architecture and Product Management to manage the lifecycle for critical vendor technologies
Establish a communication methodology for effective and efficient organizational communication
Partner with individuals, teams, throughout Stride to drive value and meaningful results
Innovate using knowledge and awareness of industry trends to identify new opportunities
Advocate as a champion of change across various business groups to align with strategic plans.
Strategize with partners to develop future technology roadmaps and explore new opportunities
Enhance existing and prospective relationships through product, technology and vendor evaluation
Directly supervises 2 - 5 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) regular employees and/or contractors.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.