Language Access Partnerships Program Manager

Advocate Health • Macon, GA

2d • $51 - $77 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role leads the enterprise vendor management strategy and program for all language services vendors. The Program Manager will oversee vendor selection, qualification, and contracting processes for interpreter agencies and translation vendors. They will monitor vendor performance against established SLAs, quality standards, and contractual requirements, and drive cost optimization through strategic negotiations and rate analysis. The role also involves managing third-party interpreter agency relationships, developing vendor scorecards, and ensuring vendor compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements. Collaboration with legal, procurement, and compliance teams is essential, as is reporting on vendor performance and program effectiveness to leadership. Continuous improvement in vendor quality through feedback and performance plans is a key aspect of this position.

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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior