Manager, Vendor Management Office

Harbor is seeking a Manager to join our growing team. The Vendor Management Office team is a highly talented and cross-functional group of professionals who provide unique and unparalleled solutions to our clients through the combination of data analytics, leading industry knowledge, and area expertise. To ensure exceptional service and successful client engagements, project and client teams comprise of various levels of expertise, knowledge and talent to ensure exceptional service. The desired candidate will have a deep knowledge of sourcing and procurement. This position reports to the Senior Manager and Director and will oversee a small team. This professional position is hybrid, working from our Chicago office headquarters.

Responsibilities:

As a part of Harbor’s Vendor Management Office (VMO) team, the Manager, VMO role pairs the experience and knowledge of the VMO department with internal operations and strategic needs to effectively deliver VMO solutions to our clients. These operational functions and strategic initiatives can include but are not limited to knowledge management, financial reporting and management, business intelligence and analysis, resource management, talent development and training, team empowerment, project management, process improvement, creating interdepartmental synergies, streamlining workflow, ensuring on time completion of deliverables, business development and intake support, and leading external department liaison (IT, Talent, Legal, Marketing, etc.). 

• Lead and manage all aspects of client sourcing, including guiding internal resources, facilitating requirements, conducting data analysis and research, and implementing identified opportunities alongside client senior management, leveraging an end-to-end strategic sourcing process. 
• Design and execute strategy for contract negotiations including, but not limited to acquisitions, maintenance renewals, strategic cost optimization and terms/conditions improvements/standardizations 
• Structure ill-defined problems, develop conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches, and create recommendations for client implementation. 
• Independently structure, write, and present well-organized and persuasive end work product to clients. 
• Develop new intellectual capital, including frameworks and analyses, to drive continuous improvement and innovation. 
• Lead specific operational functions and strategic initiatives within the department by creating and executing strategic plans and managing designated team members  
• Identify potential risks and obstacles to achieving goals, as well as improvements to approach, process, project management/execution and identify possible solutions 
• Manage and direct consultant team to consistently execute on high quality client goals, contracted deliverables, and/or target results and enhance strategic insight/application and additional subject matter expertise 
• Effectively manage and track workstreams, engage stakeholders, provide project/program reporting 
• Serve as a mentor and team player, fostering the development of consulting staff and contributing to a collaborative work environment. 
• Develop and facilitate positive working relationships with various internal groups, while leading initiatives that foster a safe, open, respectful and inclusive work environment 
• Leverage global organizational framework to operationalize tactical client delivery. 
• Travel as needed to client sites, not to exceed 25% of working time. 

Qualifications: 

• Experience managing and leading project teams and stakeholders; ability to manage people remotely  
• Exceptional project/change management, execution and implementation skills  
• Exceptional business acumen, presence, time management and interpersonal/communication (written & verbal) skills  
• Exceptional complex analytic skills and experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis  
• Advanced proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint  
• 4-6+ years of relevant consulting experience  
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain or Management Information Systems required  
• MBA and/or PMP (or similar certifications) preferred