Vendor Strategy Manager
The Vendor Strategy Manager is responsible for managing Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's global network of digital products outsource vendors in conjunction with the Director, Vendor Strategy. The Vendor Strategy Manager will manage the business and commercial relationship with an approved pool of vendors and provide support to Project Managers and Functional teams on their outsourcing requirements and work. The Vendor Strategy Manager will continuously monitor the successes and opportunities presented from the outsourcing model; what makes sense to outsource and to what location.
The Vendor Strategy Manager will be an experienced relationship management professional with proven success in outsourcing management and procurement.
The Organization
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is the largest US K-12 educational publisher in the United States, with more than $2.7 billion in annual sales. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards-based assessments for elementary and secondary schools. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. In 2006, Riverdeep acquired Houghton Mifflin, bringing together one of the most respected print publishers with the leader in interactive courseware. In December 2007, Houghton Mifflin/Riverdeep acquired Harcourt Education Company creating the largest US K-12 education business. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit www.hmlt.hmco.com
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Work with cross functional internal teams; provide support and expertise on all vendor engagement requirements - including RFP, SOW & procurement process, contract negotiations.
- Work closely with cross functional internal teams in dealing with any vendor escalations
- Ownership of relationship with particular vendors,
- Evaluate performance of partner and internal teams on an ongoing basis
- Maintain Vendor Database (contact information, rate cards, etc)
- Research and evaluate new vendors
- Keep abreast of best-in-class process vendor management practices
- Drive innovative practices, efficiencies, tools & strategies into the supply chain/vendor management and research and development organization
- On-going identification of key areas for process improvement
Skills and Experience:
Essential
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technology or business discipline with qualifications/further education in project and relationship management
- At least 3 - 5 years experience in a vendor or project management role.
- Excellent negotiation skills; a tough negotiator and purchaser
- Experience of working with far-shore vendors a distinct advantage
- Proven track record in project management/capacity planning
- Pro-active, self motivated, results oriented and highly organized
- Excellent organisational, interpersonal and written/verbal communications skills, with fluency in English a must
- Must be a team player
- Travel may be required with this role
Highly Desirable
- Subject matter expertise in instructional technology research and development a significant plus
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is committed to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities and we aim to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees
- Association of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
