Principal Vendor Manager

T-Mobile•Irving, TX

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Vendor Manager is a strategic leader responsible for managing and optimizing multiple, large-scale partnerships with key suppliers, including all associated processes. This includes enforcing robust contract terms, using advanced systems, and implementing new technologies to drive supplier performance, continuous process improvement and cost controls. Facilitates communication channels with internal teams to proactively share information and drive the resolution of operational and functional escalations. Provides guidance and peer leadership on vendor management procedures to ensure consistent, excellent vendor management across the organization. This role requires a seasoned professional who can not only maintain but also enhance vendor relations and contribute significantly to the company's strategic objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and 7 years of related work experience OR a combination of education and experience deemed equivalent (Required)
Vendor Management - Expertise in managing and optimizing relationships with key suppliers to enforce contract terms and improve supplier performance. (Required)
Strategic Thinking - Ability to develop strategies that align with the company’s objectives and enhance vendor relations. (Required)
Negotiation - Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and manage costs effectively in supplier contracts. (Required)
Project Management - Proficiency in managing large-scale projects, including the implementation of new technologies and process improvements. (Required)
Telecommunications - In-depth knowledge of telecommunications industry to effectively manage vendor relationships and technology implementations. (Required)
Leadership - Ability to provide guidance and leadership to peers and teams, fostering best practices in vendor management. (Required)
Problem Solving - Capability to identify and resolve operational and functional issues swiftly and effectively. (Required)
Analytics - Strong analytical skills to assess vendor performance data and drive continuous improvement. (Required)
Cross Functional Relationships - Ability to collaborate with various internal teams to ensure alignment and effective communication regarding vendor management. (Required)
Process Improvement - Experience in implementing process enhancements to optimize vendor management operations. (Required)
At least 18 years of age
Legally authorized to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Acceptable areas of study include Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Preferred)
7-10 years - Managing and optimizing large-scale partnerships with key suppliers in a telecommunications or related industry (Preferred)
7-10 years - Implementing new technologies and systems for supplier performance and process improvement (Preferred)
7-10 years - Leading cross-functional teams to resolve operational and functional escalations in vendor management (Preferred)
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Certification by APICS that demonstrates knowledge in supply chain management and operations. (Preferred)
Project Management Professional (PMP) Internationally recognized certification by PMI that indicates expertise in project management. (Preferred)
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Certification by ISM that covers key aspects of procurement and supply management. (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Represent T-Mobile as a lead contact with the Vendor for performance, escalations and resolution.
Build and maintain relationships with vendors to align and manage expectations of services delivery/reliability.
Lead and serve as communication point for escalations to resolve vendor delivery/reliability issues.
Standardize repair KPI’s and reporting dashboards across OEMs.
Drive accountability, from both T-Mobile and vendors in regards to implementation, service levels and adherence to T-Mobile’s contractual obligations.
Use performance data to identify performance trends, recommend and implement actions that deliver strategic improvements in vendor performance.
Proactively identifies cost optimization opportunities and leads commercial negotiations to achieve savings, value creation, and long-term financial sustainability.
Drive automation and digital integration – Use diagnostic outcomes to drive most favorable repair options.
Lead cost reduction initiatives across labor, parts, logistics, warranty and scrap.
Identify and eliminate cost leakage in repair and reverse logistics processes.
Pilot new repair models.
Contributes to strategic objectives and planning through expertise in vendor relations, operations, and supply chain management.
Facilitates effective communication channels between internal teams and suppliers to proactively share information and resolve operational issues.
Leads root cause analysis initiatives across vendors to reduce repeat failure rates.
Collaborate with internal business partners to ensure ongoing communication and cooperation between vendor management and operations with a focus on vendor performance and managing cost while maintaining satisfactory service levels regarding device availability.
Coordinate activities/communication between internal teams and vendors.
Partner with leadership to help determine areas of improvement on service reliability, cost savings and quality improvement.
Identify and propose alternative solutions to upper management regarding service delivery/operating issues.