Director Vendor Management

Job Description

SUMMARY: Over 20 years ago, Stride was founded to provide personalized learning — powered by technology. We reached students where they were in their own journeys. We knocked down their barriers to great education. And we gave every learner equal opportunity to succeed — however they defined success. Stride innovated the learning experience with online and blended learning that prepared them for their lives ahead.

Stride is a community of passionate leaders.  Whether teachers, engineers, curriculum writers, or financial managers — whatever your expertise or role, we all work to empower futures through learning. And changing the trajectory of learning itself is one of our greatest missions.  Join us in developing more effective ways to learn and helping learners build the skills and confidence they need to make their way forward in life.

The Director of Vendor Management is a key role in the overall technology and product management process at Stride.  This leader oversees strategic technology vendor relationships including those that provide key product functionality and curriculum.  Some of the critical vendors include:  AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce, Instructure, Powerschool, Snowflake, Engageli.  As part of the role, this leader is responsible for establishing a vendor management process and partnering with Business Operations, IT, Procurement, Finance and Legal to manage all critical aspects of the vendor process from contract initiation, SLA development, and contract renewals to ongoing strategic vendor performance monitoring, tracking, and reporting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Lead and deliver Vendor Management as a core capability for the Technology and Product organization

• Deliver critical vendor management functions including

  • Contract review, SLA development, and negotiations where needed

  • Establishing a regular cadence of vendor business reviews (quarterly business reviews)

  • Establishing vendor scorecards and vendor accountability measures

  • Management of critical renewals

  • Serve as an escalation point and liaison between the vendor and technology teams for key projects or issues needing operational support

  • Others as needed

• Partner with Enterprise Architecture and Product Management to manage the lifecycle for critical vendor technologies

• Establish a communication methodology for effective and efficient organizational communication

• Partner with individuals, teams, throughout Stride to drive value and meaningful results

• Innovate using knowledge and awareness of industry trends to identify new opportunities

• Advocate as a champion of change across various business groups to align with strategic plans.

• Strategize with partners to develop future technology roadmaps and explore new opportunities

• Enhance existing and prospective relationships through product, technology and vendor evaluation

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises 2 - 5 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) regular employees and/or contractors.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• BS/BA in technology business management, computer science or relevant field.

• 5+ years of experience in Vendor Management AND

• 10+ years of experience in an operational, management, or delivery roles including

• 5+ years of experience in Vendor Management AND

• 5+ years of upper management experience and leadership skills OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience

OTHER REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Outstanding knowledge of modern tech stack of cloud applications.

• Extensive firsthand experience with design, development, and implementation of IT systems

• Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and business operations

• Analytical mind and great critical thinking skills

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities and history of success collaborating with executives across an organization

• Strong leadership and team building skills

• Direct ex