The Sr Adv, Vendor Relationships reports directly to the Director, Vendor Management. The Sr. Advisor is responsible for managing, implementing and communicating a multi-sourcing vendor management strategy in support of AARP's business and IT strategies. The Sr. Advisor collaborates with the ITS Business Operations Team and other key stakeholders across the organization to ensure vendors and partners are effectively identified and managed and contracts are fully leveraged to drive the optimal value for AARP. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with Procurement and Contracts Management (PCM) regarding sourcing vendor selection, relationship management and contract negotiation.
The Sr Advisor is expected to demonstrate significant depth of technical expertise in IT sourcing and vendor management, across hardware, software and/or IT service vendors, and a basic understanding of ITS functional / operational competencies. Additionally, the Sr Advisor is expected to demonstrate One AARP cultural attributes and behaviors in all interactions.
Functional / Technical Responsibilities
- Develop and manage an Information Technology multi-vendor management strategy.
- Coordinate vendor management strategy with IT strategy and business strategy.
- Enforce enterprise policy and legal and contractual best practices regarding Vendors.
- Monitor and analyze trends in information technology vendor management in order to make recommendations for the future and identify areas for engagement.
- Ensure that ITS vendor management strategy continues to support the organization's business strategy.
- Develop and communicate vendor policies, standards and procedures; ensure compliance across ITS.
- Fulfill critical role in coordinating multi-sourcing vendor management strategy with multiple strategic vendor relationships.
- Provide strategic guidance and support to various domains regarding vendor management strategy and assist with vendor identification, evaluation and selection.
- Maintain a catalog of preferred vendors for ITS products and services.
- Assist with contract negotiations.
- Develop metrics and standards for vendor performance in all vendor categories.
- Incorporate vendor performance into sourcing strategy and decision making; intervene when performance falls below an acceptable threshold.
- Identify and communicate strategies across ITS domains for motivating vendors to provide above average service.
- Ensure sourcing and vendor strategy leverages purchasing decisions by providing ITS leaders with information about colleagues purchasing similar products or services, or purchasing from the same vendor.
- Assist with defining contract Service Level Agreements (SLAB) and enforcing compliance.
- Facilitate cross-vendor best practice sharing to enhance quality of multi-sourcing services.
- Share knowledge and develop staff capabilities to strengthen understanding of IT and Enterprise industry and business issues and best practices.
- Build organizational talent by creating a learning environment that ensures employees realize their highest potential.
Relationship Management
- Work in partnership with ITS Senior Leadership and PCM senior leaders on strategic initiatives related to multi-sourcing strategy and vendor management to continuously improve policies, standards and procedures by anticipating issues, providing advice and sharing knowledge and best practices.
- Develop strategic relationships with other team members and business partners and partner across the ITS team to align with AARP strategy and internal and external client demands.
- Communicate regularly with staff at all levels of business, functional and IT leadership to ensure enterprise alignment and support.
- 7+ years related experience.
- Knowledge and application of IT functional / operational competencies.
- Experience in design and execution against a vendor management strategy.
- Direct work experience with software licensing, hardware procurement and offshore agreements in a purchasing or procurement capacity.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing regulations and laws, including AARP industry specific regulations.
- Strong familiarity and technical competence with purchase management software and/or automated procurement systems.
- Vendor / Contract Management
- Vendor Management
- Budget Planning
- Service Level Management
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.