Job Title: Vendor Management Sr Analyst – Portfolio

Location: Atlanta or Birmingham

JOB SUMMARY

The Vendor Management Analyst serves as a consultant to Southern Company’s Technology Organization (TO) regarding the management of vendors for technology-related products and services. The analyst is responsible for one or more TO portfolio for resolving issues, tracking performance, managing risk, identifying savings opportunities, and communicating with all levels, both internal and external, regarding vendor-related topics. The goal is to lead all aspects of managing vendors at a high level, partnering closely with TO Leaders and Supply Chain. Vendor Management involves actively creating, monitoring, and cultivating relationships with vendors and the documentation that underpins them to ensure that Southern Company’s business objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

•            Manage relationships with key technology vendors to ensure alignment with business objectives.

•            Create and process Procurement Requests (PRs) efficiently working with Supply chain, finance and other Southern groups

•            Track milestone completion and signoffs on deliverables to ensure timely supplier payments.

•            Utilize key skills such as analysis, communication, and project management to manage purchase requests with internal stakeholders and vendors. 

•            Report and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor vendor performance

•            Lead and conduct Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs) to assess vendor performance and address issues.

•            Develop escalation processes and maintain key contacts lists for efficient issue resolution.

•            Resolve disputes with vendors promptly to maintain smooth operations for the assigned portfolios

•            Ensure that contract terms are adhered to and contractual benefits are realized through proactive vendor management.

•            Maintain constant dialogue with key third-party vendors to assess ongoing risks to supply and make alternative plans if required.

•            Conduct periodic compliance assessments to minimize risks associated with legislation or company standards.

•            Maintain close working relationships with vendors to reduce risk and ensure regular performance management of suppliers.

•            Assist senior leaders in managing specific vendor relationships and issues as and when they arise. 

•            Participate in the purchase process and verify compliance with Technology’s purchasing procedures.

•            Assist with the assessment and management of contract and procurement risk.

•            Assist Technology organization managers with documenting requirements and vendor-related issues.

•            Stay abreast of contract and purchasing compliance and routinely inform Technology’s customers.

•            Serve as a knowledge resource for the Technology organization on existing contracts and agreements.

•            Collect, analyze, and report data related to vendor performance, cost savings, and other key metrics.

•            Identify and achieve cost savings targets for the vendor portfolio, ensuring optimal use of resources and portfolio budget

•            Prepare and deliver presentations to Technology Leadership partners (TLP) members on portfolio vendor spend, performance, and strategic initiatives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Experience:

•            10+ years of demonstrated experience in managing vendor relationships, including negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and resolving issues.

•            Proven ability to redesign processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in procurement and vendor management.

•            Strong track record of identifying and resolving complex problems related to vendor performance and contract compliance.

•            In-depth understanding of supplier management principles and contract language for information technology product and service agreements.

•            Comprehensive financial acumen, including budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting.

•            Experience with evaluating and integrating technology solutions to enhance procurement and vendor management processes.

•            Hands-on experience with contract administration, particularly for IT projects, ensuring compliance and managing risk.

•            Ability to conduct market research and stay informed about vendor trends in the information technology industry.

•            Experience in managing vendor relationships and coordinating issue resolution to maintain smooth operations.

•            General knowledge of infrastructure services, technologies, and applications, with a focus on systems, networks, and applications.

•            Broad knowledge of the management and operation of information technologies, including systems, networks, and applications.

•            Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with the ability to effectively work both independently and as a team member.

•            Ability to build strong relationships with both internal business partners and vendors.

•            Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management as well as internal and external customers.

•            Ability to adjust and demonstrate the appropriate sense of urgency to constantly changing priorities each day.

•            Ability to make decisions independently.

•            Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and obtain results by established deadlines.

•            Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

•            Ability to quickly learn new tools, methods, and processes.