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Strategic Vendor Manager

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Proofpoint

Aug 23, 2024

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Consulting
    Logistics
  • Cork
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need experience in procurement or project management, a related degree, strong negotiation skills, data analysis ability, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of procurement systems is a plus.
  • You will lead vendor sourcing, negotiate contracts, manage relationships, align with stakeholders, and execute cost-saving initiatives in consulting, workforce, and VAR categories.

Requirements

  • Experience in procurement, sales, professional services, project management, or program management, particularly within Consulting Services, Contingent Workforce, and Contractor categories.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field.
  • Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing specific vendors and key contractual terms and conditions in the consulting, workforce management, and VAR sectors.
  • Ability to analyze data and effectively communicate interpretations and recommendations specific to consulting services, workforce management, and VAR partnerships.
  • Experience managing cross-functional projects and programs, with an ability to work closely with diverse teams.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly changing work environment.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong multi-tasking abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Procurement system knowledge preferable (Dynamics 365, JIRA, Agiloft software, Power BI a plus).

Responsibilities

  • Lead supplier sourcing projects, RFPs, negotiations, and vendor management across the Consulting Services, Contingent Workforce, Contractor, and VAR categories, implementing strategic agreements for the procurement of these services.
  • Collaborate with key functional and internal stakeholders to capture business requirements and create appropriate sourcing strategies for consulting services, contingent workforce needs, contractor engagements, and VAR agreements.
  • Develop and implement a strategic sourcing framework that focuses on cost, risk mitigation, and supplier performance management within these categories.
  • Engage regularly with Executive Management, stakeholders, and peers to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives related to vendor management in consulting, contingent workforce, and VAR areas.
  • Execute agreements and contracts, with a strong understanding of terms, SLAs, addendums, and other contractual elements specific to consulting services, workforce management, and VAR agreements.
  • Support business owners in navigating downstream processes, including working with Legal through the contracting process and ensuring Finance's accurate allocation of costs and timely payment of suppliers.
  • Support the execution of spend management projects aimed at achieving key objectives, such as driving cost savings, operational improvement, and supplier consolidation or diversification within the consulting, workforce management, and VAR spaces.
  • Proactively manage upcoming contract renewals and negotiations with consulting firms, contingent workforce suppliers, contractors, and VAR partners.
  • Manage and strengthen VAR agreements, ensuring alignment with business objectives and maximizing value from these partnerships.
  • Provide support on ad hoc requests and projects as needed, and collaborate with teammates to ensure the overall success of the Procurement function.
  • Support activities related to companywide procurement policies and procedures, with a particular emphasis on consulting, workforce, and VAR-related policies.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Strategic Vendor Manager at Proofpoint?

The primary responsibility of the Strategic Vendor Manager is to manage and coordinate relationships with stakeholders, buyers, and specialist teams, focusing on Consulting Services, Contingent Workforce, Contractors, and managing Value Added Reseller (VAR) agreements.

What qualifications are required for this position?

The position requires experience in procurement, sales, professional services, project management, or program management, particularly within Consulting Services, Contingent Workforce, and Contractor categories, along with a Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field.

What skills are essential for the Strategic Vendor Manager role?

Essential skills include strong negotiation skills, the ability to analyze data, experience managing cross-functional projects, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of procurement systems like Dynamics 365, JIRA, Agiloft, and Power BI is also preferable.

What kind of projects will the Strategic Vendor Manager handle?

The Strategic Vendor Manager will lead supplier sourcing projects, RFPs, negotiations, and vendor management across Consulting Services, Contingent Workforce, Contractor, and VAR categories, and support spend management projects.

Is experience in vendor management important for this role?

Yes, experience in vendor management is critical, particularly in securing specific vendors and key contractual terms and conditions in the consulting, workforce management, and VAR sectors.

What does the team environment look like for this position?

The Strategic Vendor Manager will be part of a dynamic and high-performing Procurement team that collaborates closely with key functional and internal stakeholders to achieve organizational goals related to vendor management.

Are there opportunities for cost savings in this role?

Yes, the Strategic Vendor Manager is responsible for driving cost savings and operational improvement through strategic sourcing and effective vendor management practices.

Will the Strategic Vendor Manager work with executive management?

Yes, the role involves engaging regularly with Executive Management, stakeholders, and peers to ensure alignment with organizational goals related to vendor management.

What type of agreements will the successful candidate manage?

The successful candidate will manage agreements related to Consulting Services, Contingent Workforce, Contractors, and Value Added Reseller (VAR) partnerships.

What is the work environment for this role?

The work environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly changing, requiring the ability to thrive in such conditions while being highly organized and detail-oriented.

Welcome to the new threat landscape — Proofpoint gives you protection & visibility for your greatest cybersecurity risk.

Technology
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
2002
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Proofpoint is a cybersecurity company specialising in protecting organisations from advanced threats and attacks through their comprehensive suite of email security, data loss prevention, and compliance solutions. Their ultimate mission is to safeguard businesses' critical information and digital assets, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. With a focus on preventing cyber risks and enhancing email and data security, Proofpoint's purpose is to empower businesses to communicate and collaborate securely while mitigating the risks associated with modern digital communication and information sharing.