Manager Vendor Management

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas • Topeka, KS

427d • $117,000 - $134,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Manager, Vendor Management at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is responsible for overseeing and optimizing relationships with strategic suppliers. This role focuses on ensuring suppliers meet performance expectations, resolving issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires strong supplier relationship management skills and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to achieve organizational goals, particularly in strategic sourcing and revenue enablement, contributing to cost savings and overall value in healthcare affordability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, finance, or a related field.
• Five to seven (5-7) years' experience in vendor management, procurement, contract management, or contract negotiation.
• One to three years' experience in a managerial and/or leadership role.
• Ability to use influence to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong foundation in information navigation to efficiently find, evaluate, and synthesize information.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and best practices in supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrate digital dexterity by adapting to new technologies and tools.
• Extensive knowledge of Supplier, Procurement, Vendor, and Management (SPVM) protocols and policies.
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to read and comprehend legal contracting language.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity, Certified Professional in Supply Management) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement VMO strategies, policies, and procedures to streamline vendor management processes.
• Chair a cross-functional, interdivisional team to ensure governance and provide oversight of third-party firms.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor communications, escalations, and conflict resolution.
• Foster collaboration and align vendor solutions with business objectives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate vendor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance audits and assessments of vendor performance to address issues and achieve service level agreements (SLAs).
• Assess and mitigate risks associated with vendor relationships.
• Identify potential risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and ensure vendors adhere to regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Review and analyze vendor performance data, prepare reports, and provide insights to support decision-making.
• Maintain accurate vendor records and documentation.
• Implement and monitor corrective action plans for non-compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the vendor management process.
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance vendor relationships.
• Conduct comprehensive benchmarking of market data to evaluate vendor management processes compared with industry standards.
• Lead and develop Vendor Management training efforts.
• Accountable for performance monitoring, policy enforcement, and team development.

Benefits

• 401(k) 5% Match
• Adoption assistance
• Caregiver leave
• Dental insurance
• Gym membership
• Health insurance
• Incentive pay program
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
• Fertility/Adoption assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree