Vendor Program Manager

Gallagher•Phoenix, AZ

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vendor Program Manager is responsible for managing strategic vendor partnerships and benefit programs to ensure high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals. This role serves as the primary liaison for assigned vendors, overseeing relationship management, performance monitoring, implementations, contract administration, reporting, financial oversight, and issue resolution.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
3+ years of experience in vendor management, healthcare benefits, insurance administration, project management, or related operational roles.
Experience managing vendor relationships, contract negotiations, implementations, and compliance activities.
Strong project management, analytical, and organizational skills.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, reporting tools, and data analysis.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Manage relationships with assigned vendor and strategic partners across a diverse portfolio of 25+ service providers.
Lead vendor stewardship activities and foster strong, collaborative partnerships.
Coordinate recurring vendor meetings, business reviews, performance discussions, and action plans.
Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor escalations and relationship management.
Monitor vendor performance, service levels, contractual obligations, and key performance indicators.
Lead contract negotiations, renewals, amendments, and vendor evaluations.
Identify performance concerns and oversee corrective action plans through resolution.
Provide recommendations to leadership regarding vendor strategy, renewals, and program enhancements.
Lead vendor implementations, transitions, and major program initiatives.
Coordinate project plans, timelines, stakeholder communication, and deliverables.
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend enhancements, modifications, or alternative solutions when needed.
Support vendor and program launch strategies and provide periodic updates to leadership on outcomes and performance.
Ensure vendor compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
Maintain vendor and benefit plan documentation, including contracts, SPDs, SBCs, wrap documents, policies, and related materials.
Support audits, compliance reviews, regulatory filings, and governance initiatives.
Maintain awareness of industry and regulatory developments through ongoing training and professional development.
Review, reconcile, and approve vendor invoices and financial reporting.
Develop and maintain vendor performance dashboards and reporting metrics.
Monitor contractual pricing, guarantees, and financial obligations.
Analyze vendor performance and utilization data to identify trends and opportunities.
Lead and support strategic operational initiatives and organizational priorities.
Identify opportunities for process improvement, vendor optimization, and operational efficiency.
Coordinate cross-functional projects impacting vendors, benefits administration, and member services.
Develop recommendations that improve service delivery, member experience, and organizational outcomes.