Director of Vendor Management

Position Purpose

The Director of Vendor Management serves as a key member of management.  This position is responsible for Capella’s enterprise vendor management process and activities.  The position reports to the Vice President of Treasury, Tax and Risk Management. 

This position will work closely with business and academic partners on all related vendor relationship and purchasing initiatives.  The candidate for this position will oversee and manage the purchases of services, materials and supplies to ensure efficient and cost-effective procurement throughout the organization.  The position will also be responsible for the development of the vendor management function, including the documentation of policies and procedures, procurement methods, overall vendor spending and related administration.  As Capella pursues a new approach to enterprise vendor management, the Director of Vendor Management will lead the evolution toward a best-in-class vendor management strategy and organization structured to strategically manage a procure-to-pay approach.

This position will initially be responsible for providing management and leadership direction to one direct report (Manager of Procurement).  It is expected that this organization would continue to grow based on the future needs of the company.

Responsibilities

·        Leads the ongoing development of a enterprise vendor management process.  Takes a global procure-to-pay view in managing current processes while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

·        Works collaboratively with all business and academic partners to effectively manage vendor relationships.  As part of this internal partnership, the business and academic owners will own the operational and tactical relationship with vendors and will co-develop vendor strategy.  Led by the Director of Vendor Management, vendor management will own procurement processes, contract management and compliance and will co-develop vendor strategy.

·        Develop, document, communicate, maintain and improve vendor management processes including processes around vendor selection, vendor rationalization, RFP / RFI, vendor performance, contract negotiation and compliance, contract renewal and purchasing approvals.

·        Responsible for negotiating and enforcing contract pricing, terms and conditions.

·        Ensures vendor performance through periodic reviews, product and service availability, and compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the company’s transactions.

·        Develops and recommends best-in-class procurement strategies.

·        Creates, implements and maintains vendor automation and technology, including applicable eProcurement systems and / or modules of broader ERP applications.

·        Formulates, writes and implements policies and procedures for bid proposals.

·        Collaborates with business and academic owners on developing business cases for proposed projects requiring the procurement of goods and services.  Acts as a project manager / leader regarding the vendor management process of a broader organizational initiative.

·        Acts as the subject matter expert in strategic sourcing methodologies and working knowledge of a vendor management structure.

·        Monitors the company’s overall spend with vendors and seeks cost reduction opportunities / service enhancements through strategic sourcing activities.

·        Responsible for final negotiations, pricing analysis, vendor selection and contract awards.

·        Works closely (and potentially owns) with accounts payable and legal regarding vendor payment processes and contract reviews.  In collaboration, takes ownership over the entire procure-to-pay process.

·        Develops and distributes management reporting outlining key vendor management activities, status of key contracts, vendor performance issues, cost / spending analysis, etc.

·        Other related projects as assigned.

·         Education:  A successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Business, or equivalent.  An advanced degree or progress towards an advanced degree is preferred. 

·         Experience:  A successful candidate will have broad based experience in a medium to large company with 10+ years of experience in the area of vendor management and procurement.  Additional experience in operations is a plus.  A successful candidate must demonstrate competencies with business case development and execution, project planning and management, eProcurement systems expertise and vendor relationship management and negotiations.

·         Competencies:  A successful candidate will have demonstrated the following competencies:

·         Strong Analytical Skills - quantitative and qualitative analysis; ability to identify the significant factors of an issue; employ creativity in identifying causes, implications and remedies; demonstrate a balance between theoretical and practical solutions.

·         Initiative - ability to engage and work independently; ensure responsive timely follow-up; meeting of deadlines; demonstrate a sense of urgency; ability to prioritize; solid organizational skills.

·         Project Management Skills - able to manage large, complex projects including managing to a project timeline, acquiring and allocating resources, ensuring quality deliverables, effective communication and project risk management.

·         Excellent Communication Skills - efficient and effective oral and written communications skills; ability to communicate at all levels of the organization; builds and maintains strong relationships with peers.

·         Leadership and Teamwork - demonstrates good leadership skills; provides support to the finance and accounting staff; able to effectively lead a cross-functional group; support career planning and development initiatives.

·         Strong PC Skills - expertise in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access; proficient manager and user of procurement systems (preferably Peoplesoft).      

 Measures of Success

•  Vendor management consistency across the organizations.

• Proactive approach to vendor management.

•  Documented cost savings / cost avoidance.

• Collaboration and teamwork with business / academic partners.

• Documented vendor management strategies and related policies, procedures and processes.

• Effective use of technology.

• Proactive approach to vendor performance and performance issue resolution.

• Vendor terms and conditions.

•  Efficient vendor payment processes.

   

Summary

In addition to being a key member of the management team, it is expected that the candidate for this position supports the overall succession plan for the company and organization.  This requires the candidate to work with his / her direct and indirect reports to enhance the capabilities of the team in addition to establishing themselves as a high potential contributor.

To apply, go to www.capella.edu/careers and click Search and Apply.

This position is based in Capella's corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota and relocation assistance is not provided.

Capella University provides high caliber education that moves you forward without compromise. We are looking for individuals who want to do the same. Headquartered in downtown Minneapolis, Capella rewards creative, intelligent, and highly motivated professionals willing to accept, encourage, and initiate change. We look for enterprising individuals with integrity who are accustomed to attaining results. Our employees enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including 100% education reimbursement.

Capella is committed to the development of a multicultural environment. We seek greater diversity in our faculty and staff to broaden our academic experience and to reflect the diversity within our learner community. We value the input of multiple viewpoints and perspectives across the university and our corporate offices. Our goal is to create academic and business communities that are rich with cultural, social and intellectual diversity. Capella is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.

^*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, located at 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456, http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/.