Language Access Partnerships Program Manager

Advocate Health•Winston-Salem, NC

2d•$51 - $77•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for leading the enterprise vendor management strategy and program for all language services vendors. The manager will oversee vendor selection, qualification, and contracting, monitor performance against SLAs, and drive cost optimization. They will manage third-party interpreter agency relationships, develop performance dashboards, and ensure vendor compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements. Collaboration with legal, procurement, and compliance teams is essential, as is reporting on vendor performance to leadership. The role also focuses on driving continuous improvement in vendor quality and ensuring high-quality interpretation services to meet patient and clinician needs, supporting equitable interpretation across all languages.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required in business, supply chain management, healthcare administration, or related field.
Typically requires 7+ years of progressive experience in vendor management, procurement, or healthcare contract management.
Expert vendor management skills including selection, contracting, performance monitoring, and relationship management.
Strong contract negotiation skills with experience managing service level agreements.
Cost optimization and financial analysis skills including rate analysis and volume management.
Vendor performance measurement skills with experience building scorecards and dashboards.
Knowledge of healthcare vendor compliance requirements including credentialing and regulatory standards.
Strong stakeholder management skills for coordinating across operations, legal, and procurement teams.
Data analysis skills for vendor cost analysis, utilization reporting, and ROI assessment.
Risk management skills for vendor compliance, contract compliance, and business continuity.
Strong communication and negotiation skills for vendor interactions and leadership reporting.
Project management skills for managing vendor onboarding, transitions, and program improvements.
Work requires use of telephone/computer and sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Walking, standing, lifting, bending, reaching, stooping, pushing, and pulling are required a moderate amount of the time.
May lift and carry up to 40 pounds on an intermittent basis.
Must demonstrate the ability to communicate with individuals and groups effectively.
Must possess critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to concentrate.
Must be able to work with high volume of activities/projects with short deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Vendor management, procurement, or contract management certifications preferred.
Master's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or healthcare administration.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or similar credentials.
7+ years of vendor management experience in healthcare with enterprise-scale program management.
Experience managing language services vendor programs for large healthcare organizations.
Experience with vendor risk management and business continuity planning.
Knowledge of language services industry including interpreter agency operations and market dynamics.
Experience with strategic sourcing and vendor portfolio optimization.
Experience driving vendor quality improvement through structured performance management programs.

Responsibilities

Lead the enterprise vendor management strategy and program for all language services vendors.
Oversee vendor selection, qualification, and contracting processes for interpreter agencies and translation vendors.
Monitor vendor performance against established SLAs, quality standards, and contractual requirements.
Drive cost optimization across vendor relationships through strategic negotiations, volume management, and rate analysis.
Manage third-party interpreter agency relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and compliance.
Develop and maintain vendor scorecards, performance dashboards, and regular business review processes.
Ensure vendor compliance with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing policies.
Coordinate with Control Tower on vendor utilization, escalation protocols, and coverage gap management.
Manage vendor onboarding, credentialing, and ongoing compliance verification processes.
Negotiate contracts, amendments, and service level agreements with vendor partners.
Analyze vendor cost data including cost-per-encounter, utilization ratios, and financial impact.
Collaborate with legal, procurement, and compliance teams on vendor contracting and risk management.
Report on vendor performance, cost trends, and program effectiveness to AVP leadership.
Drive continuous improvement in vendor quality through feedback mechanisms and performance improvement plans.
Drive vendor management innovation including strategic sourcing, platform optimization, and market intelligence.
Evaluate emerging vendor capabilities and technologies that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Lead vendor partnership initiatives that advance language services capabilities and competitive positioning.
Own vendor cost management with accountability for contract negotiations, cost optimization, and financial performance.
Develop strategic vendor sourcing approaches that balance cost, quality, and coverage across the enterprise.
Analyze vendor economics and recommend portfolio optimization strategies that improve financial outcomes.
Establish vendor management standards and performance monitoring that ensure quality, reliability, and compliance.
Manage vendor performance against SLAs and drive continuous improvement through structured management programs.
Coordinate vendor escalation and coverage gap management in partnership with control tower operations.
Ensure vendor quality standards support consistent, high-quality interpretation services that meet patient and clinician needs.
Monitor vendor performance on language diversity and access to support equitable interpretation across all languages.

Benefits

Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
Competitive compensation
Generous retirement offerings
Programs that invest in your career development
Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program