Lead Vendor Management Specialist

We are thrilled to announce that we are seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Lead Vendor Management Specialist.In this role, you will manage the strategic sourcing lifecycle for Tier 1 vendors, including spend analytics, market and demand analysis, supplier evaluation and selection, negotiations, contracting, vendor risk, performance management, and relationship management, all in compliance with corporate policies and standards.You will develop strong relationships with business owners, foster awareness and education of procurement best practices, and create effective vendor strategies. You will manage a portfolio of sourcing projects based on established category and vendor strategies, enabling the business unit to achieve its objectives. Additionally, you may support various business areas, including human resources, facilities, finance, product management, claims, and IT.Join us in driving procurement excellence and innovation. Apply now and be part of a team dedicated to achieving strategic success!Position Compensation Range:$84,000.00 - $139,000.00Pay Rate Type:SalaryCompensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location.Primary Accountabilities

Lead and Coach: Guide others to solve complex problems.

Work Independently: Operate independently, with guidance as needed.

Team and Project Leadership: Lead teams or projects, develop and present vendor strategies, obtain approvals, and align resources for execution.

Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams to ensure business value is quantified, optimized, and realized.

Primary Supplier Contact: Serve as the main contact for Tier 1 vendors, defining strategies to maximize relationship effectiveness, mitigate risk, optimize value, resolve performance issues, and ensure contract compliance.

Align Stakeholder Needs: Align stakeholder needs with vendor capabilities, driving consolidations for scale, mandating innovation, and ensuring vendor roadmaps align with business objectives.

Sourcing Process Leadership: Oversee the entire sourcing process for Tier 1 vendors, including selection (RFx), negotiations, contract terms, renewals, and execution using project and change management best practices.

Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and enhanced services for stakeholders.

Evaluate Competitive Offerings: Use analytics and market intelligence to evaluate offerings and determine the best overall offer, comparing vendor proposals and identifying expected savings/value cash flows.

Subject Matter Expert: Ensure compliance with contract standards and support stakeholders in contract management from award to completion or termination.

Reporting: Provide actionable data, performance metrics, and vendor scorecards to business unit leaders.

Specialized Knowledge & Skills Requirements Extensive knowledge of strategic sourcing practices including spend analytics, market intelligence, RFx execution, and contract negotiation. Extensive knowledge and understanding of vendor management practices including performance management and relationship management techniques. Demonstrated experience managing strategic, complex, and highly visible vendor relationships. Demonstrated experience leading large, cross functional, complex projects. Extensive knowledge and experience applying contract negotiation techniques. Extensive knowledge and understanding of goods and services contract terms. Solid knowledge and understanding of preparing reports, charts and presentations. Demonstrated experience relationship building, consulting, guiding strategic business decisions, and using data to solve problems.Licenses Not applicable.Travel Requirements Up to 10%.Physical Requirements Work that primarily involves sitting/standing.Working Conditions Not applicable.In this flex office/home role, you will be expected to work a minimum of 10 days per month from one of the following office locations: Madison, WI 53783; Boston, MA 02110; Denver, CO 80112; Eden Prairie, MN 55343; Keene, NH 03431; St. Joseph, MO 64507; Phoenix, AZ 85034; Nashville, TN 37214Internal candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of location and will be considered based upon the needs of the role.#LI-HybridAt American Family Insurance, we believe people are an organization’s most valuable asset, and their ideas and experiences matter. From our CEO to our agency force, we’re committed to growing a culture that empowers innovation that will inspire, protect, and restore our customers’ dreams in ways never imagined. Join our team. Bring your dreams.We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above. Skills can be used in many different ways, and your life and professional experience may be relevant beyond what a list of requirements will capture. We encourage those who are passionate about what we do to apply!We provide benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. You will have access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision and wellbeing benefits that enable you to take care of your health. We also offer a competitive 401(k) contribution, a pension plan, an annual incentive, 9 paid holidays and a paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees). In addition, our student loan repayment program and paid-family leave are available to support our employees and their families. Interns and contingent workers are not eligible for American Family Insurance Group benefits.We are an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination, non-harassment and equal opportunity. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.#LI-AC4