Head of Vendor Management

Key Accountabilities:

• Strategic Vendor Selection:
• Identify, evaluate, and select strategic vendors aligned with organizational goals and quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess vendor capabilities, capacities, and innovations.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive database of potential vendors for current and future needs.
• Contract Negotiation and Management:
• Lead negotiations for contracts and agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the organization.
• Collaborate closely with legal and procurement teams to develop robust contracts that mitigate risks and protect the organization's interests.
• Monitor contract compliance and manage contract variations as needed.
• Performance Metrics and Continuous Improvement:
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure vendor performance.
• Conduct regular vendor assessments and implement improvement plans where necessary.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the vendor network.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including procurement, quality, and engineering teams, to integrate vendor capabilities into product development and innovation processes.
• Ensure seamless communication and coordination between the organization and its vendors.
• Risk Management:
• Identify and assess potential risks within the vendor network.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure a resilient supply chain.
• Stay informed about geopolitical, economic, and industry trends that may impact the vendor landscape.
• Vendor Relationship Enhancement:
• Build and nurture strong relationships with key vendors to foster collaboration, innovation, and mutual success.
• Implement programs to recognize and reward outstanding vendor performance.
• Conduct regular meetings and forums for open communication and relationship-building.
  

Experience & Education Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in vendor management, with a focus on the defense or aerospace industry.
• Proven track record of successful negotiations, contract management, and vendor development.
• In-depth knowledge of international procurement regulations and best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach.
• Collaborative and able to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Proactive problem solver with a results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.