Manager, Vendor Management Office

Harbor

Manager leading the Vendor Management Office at Harbor, overseeing client sourcing and contract negotiations. Driving operational success through strategic initiatives and team management.

Posted 7/8/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage all aspects of client sourcing, including guiding internal resources, facilitating requirements, conducting data analysis and research, and implementing identified opportunities alongside client senior management, leveraging an end-to-end strategic sourcing process.
Design and execute strategy for contract negotiations including, but not limited to acquisitions, maintenance renewals, strategic cost optimization and terms/conditions improvements/standardizations
Structure ill-defined problems, develop conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches, and create recommendations for client implementation.
Independently structure, write, and present well-organized and persuasive end work product to clients.
Develop new intellectual capital, including frameworks and analyses, to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Lead specific operational functions and strategic initiatives within the department by creating and executing strategic plans and managing designated team members
Identify potential risks and obstacles to achieving goals, as well as improvements to approach, process, project management/execution and identify possible solutions
Manage and direct consultant team to consistently execute on high quality client goals, contracted deliverables, and/or target results and enhance strategic insight/application and additional subject matter expertise
Effectively manage and track workstreams, engage stakeholders, provide project/program reporting
Serve as a mentor and team player, fostering the development of consulting staff and contributing to a collaborative work environment.
Develop and facilitate positive working relationships with various internal groups, while leading initiatives that foster a safe, open, respectful and inclusive work environment
Leverage global organizational framework to operationalize tactical client delivery.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience managing and leading project teams and stakeholders; ability to manage people remotely
Exceptional project/change management, execution and implementation skills
Exceptional business acumen, presence, time management and interpersonal/communication (written & verbal) skills
Exceptional complex analytic skills and experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis
Advanced proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint
4-6+ years of relevant consulting experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain or Management Information Systems required
MBA and/or PMP (or similar certifications) preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Travel as needed to client sites, not to exceed 25% of working time.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Quantitative Data AnalysisQualitative Data AnalysisContract NegotiationStrategic Cost OptimizationMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsTime ManagementMentoring

Certifications

MBAPMP