Vendor Project Manager

Lexitas

About The Position

The Vendor Project Manager (VPM) leads end to end oversight of third-party vendors to deliver on scope, quality, schedule and budget. This role identifies/procures new vendors as needed, plans and executes vendor workstreams, manages vendor contracts and Service Level Agreements, drives cross-functional alignment, mitigates vendor-related risks, and ensures compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements. The VPM serves as the primary point of contact for vendors, enabling predictable outcomes and continuous performance improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
At least 4 years in Project Management with direct vendor/supplier oversight with ophthalmology experience; industry experience in a CRO is required. Experience with vendor procurement/identification is required. Global study/vendor management experience is preferred.
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Ability to assess problems and develop solutions
Strong negotiation skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders
Solid understanding of vendor management and procurement functions
Position requires: ordinary ambulatory skills and physical coordination sufficient to move about conference or meeting locations as required; ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch periodically for prolonged periods of time; manipulation (lift, carry, move) of light to medium weights of 10-35 pounds; arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp and type for prolonged periods of time; visual acuity to use a keyboard, computer monitor, operate equipment, and read materials for prolonged periods of time; ability to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear for prolonged periods of time.

Nice To Haves

PMP Certification preferred
Global study/vendor management experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Vendor Procurement and Selection
Own the procurement/identification process for potential new Vendors,
Coordinate the assessment and evaluation process for potential new Vendors to qualify them through audit and acceptance procedures in collaboration with Quality Assurance
Create and maintain a matrix of Lexitas Subject Matter Experts
Develop and implement Global Vendor Strategy ensuring vendors are established and approved for all core vendor capabilities needed by Lexitas and our customers
Identify vendors to address critical needs of the business
Vendor Management
Negotiate Vendor agreements, including terms (MSAs/SLAs, timelines, training), conditions, pricing, and issue escalation
Define Purchase Order Approvals Process with Finance input and manage flow of purchase requests end-to-end
Maintains established vendor relationships
Monitor Vendor performance (SLAs), qualification status, and quality
Leads vendor quality event follow-up, including documentation of corrective and preventative actions in collaboration with the project team, functional management, QA, and vendor lead(s)
Lead Lexitas vendor set-up activities where contracted for new studies
Lead/participate in vendor management meetings and status reporting activities where contracted
Controls vendor spend, ensure adherence to contracted terms, building culture of long-term cost-saving behaviors