Vendor Program Manager

Gallagher•Phoenix, AZ

36d

About The Position

The Vendor Program Manager manages strategic vendor partnerships and benefit programs to ensure high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals. The role serves as the primary liaison for assigned vendors and oversees relationship management, performance monitoring, implementations, contract administration, reporting, financial oversight, and issue resolution. The position manages a diverse portfolio of 25+ service providers, leading vendor stewardship, recurring meetings, business reviews, performance discussions, and action plans. It monitors vendor service levels, contractual obligations, and key performance indicators; leads contract negotiations and renewals; and oversees corrective actions and vendor evaluations. The role leads implementations, transitions, and program initiatives, coordinating project plans, timelines, stakeholder communications, and deliverables. It also ensures vendor compliance, maintains vendor and benefit plan documentation, supports audits and regulatory filings, reviews invoices and financial reports, and develops performance dashboards. The manager identifies opportunities to improve processes, vendor performance, operational efficiency, service delivery, and member experience.

Requirements

At least 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Manage relationships with assigned vendors and strategic partners across a diverse portfolio of 25+ service providers.
Lead vendor stewardship activities and foster 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.
Recommend vendor strategies, renewals, and program enhancements to leadership.
Lead vendor implementations, transitions, and major program initiatives.
Coordinate project plans, timelines, stakeholder communications, and deliverables.
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend enhancements, modifications, or alternative solutions.
Support vendor and program launch strategies and update 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, and policies.
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 to improve service delivery, member experience, and organizational outcomes.