Associate Director, IT Vendor Management

Job Description
 

The Associate Director, IT Vendor Manager is a supporting role that assists in ensuring compliance with procurement policies and process around governing Otsuka’s vendor management practices.  This individual will partner closely with internal and external partners within the IT ecosystem, including Strategic Sourcing, Business partners and vendors to ensure vendor contractual compliance, procurement policy compliance and drive efficiencies across a combination of onshore and offshore processes.  This role will help drive metrics reporting, facilitate business reviews and help drive vendor performance. This role enforces all policies, processes, and systems related to technology purchasing in OAPI/OPDC/OPH.

Reports to the Director or Vendor Management.

Job Description

• Strategic Vendor Management: Lead overall relationship and support portfolio performance for IT vendors across all IT functions (Enterprise, Commercial, Research & Development (R&D) and Infrastructure).
• Governance Meetings: Plan and execute vendor governance meetings to ensure alignment and performance.
• Primary Contact & Escalation Point: Act as the main point of contact for vendors and manage escalations at the relationship level.
• Performance Management: In close partnership with the IT Portfolio Management Office and other internal constituents; set performance targets, monitor progress, and implement corrective actions as necessary. Ensure contractual and organizational expectations are met.
• Process Improvement: In collaboration with internal partners and vendors, identify and implement vendor process improvement initiatives.
• Financial Oversight: Assist Finance and IT Portfolio Management Office in supporting business partners with budget oversight
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive initiatives and build strong partnerships.
• Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular performance reports and analyses to senior management.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard departmental and organizational objectives.
• Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular reports and analyses to senior management, highlighting key metrics and insights.

Qualifications/ Required

Knowledge/ Experience and Skills:

Minimum of 7+ years of in procurement including evaluation of existing processes and driving improvements.

• Experience in procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on policy development and implementation with a focus on vendor management
• Understanding of vendor management principles, purchasing processes, and best practices, including vendor selection, evaluation, and performance management.
• Analytical skills with the ability to assess vendor and procurement performance, identify risks, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in vendor management software and tools for contract management, performance tracking, and risk assessment.  SAP Ariba a plus.
• Demonstration of project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and execute initiatives within budgetary constraints.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of vendor management and supply chain operations.

Education
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or relevant technical expertise.  Advanced degree (MBA/MS) preferred. 

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional developme