Senior Manager, Vendor Management

Senior Manager, Vendor Management

The Sr. Manager, Vendor Management is responsible for overseeing relationships with third-party Data Entry Partners (DEP) vendors, ensuring compliance with company standards, negotiating contracts, and optimizing vendor performance to meet organizational goals. This role owns the vendor relationship lifecycle, including leading RFP processes, driving improvements in reporting and analytics, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency. Additionally, the Sr. Manager, Vendor Management will manage a team of 3–5 employees to ensure effective execution of vendor management activities and support organizational objectives.

What you’ll be doing?

• Build and maintain strong relationships with DEP vendors (India and US Vendors), acting as the primary point of contact and owning the overall vendor relationship lifecycle.
• Lead Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, including drafting requirements, evaluating submissions, and selecting vendors aligned with organizational goals.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service-level agreements (SLAs) to ensure favorable terms and compliance.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure adherence to contractual obligations and company standards.
• Conduct regular vendor evaluations and risk assessments to mitigate potential issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify vendor needs and translate them into actionable requirements.
• Resolve vendor-related issues promptly and effectively to maintain service continuity.
• Maintain accurate records of vendor agreements, performance metrics, and compliance documentation.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Drive improvements in reporting processes and tools to enhance visibility into vendor and operational performance.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations.
• Lead and manage a team of 3–5 employees: set goals, provide guidance, and conduct performance reviews.
• Ability to overlap between US and India hours 2-4 hours per day.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required to meet business needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The duties set forth above are essential job functions for the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Skills and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Business Administration, Operations or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 3-10 years in vendor management, operations, procurement, or supply chain; US healthcare industry experience preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in vendor management analysis and MS Office Suite.
• Core Competencies:
  • Strong negotiation and communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and drive reporting improvements.
  • Knowledge of compliance and risk management practices.
  • Ability to bring forward innovative ideas and demonstrate thought leadership
• Leadership: Proven experience in team leadership and people management.

Reporting and Metrics

The Vendor Sr. Manager will provide weekly reports to the Senior Director of Operations covering:

• Vendor Management Status and Risks: Updates on active vendor relationships, contract compliance, and any identified risks.
• Vendor Performance: Key performance indicators (KPIs), SLA adherence, and trend analysis.
• Team Performance: Progress toward goals, productivity metrics, and any staffing or operational issues.

Why this is the company for you?

Top Benefits & Perks:

• A company culture that is authentic, innovative, and collaborative! Our most powerful strength is our people! We build impactful solutions for our customers - their success is our success!
• A professional development and growth-oriented workplace
• Generous benefits
• A good Work-life balance

Who is Smart Data Solutions?

Smart Data Solutions (SDS) is a technology leader in healthcare process automation and interoperability. As a strategic partner, SDS helps clients digitally transform their operations, delivering tangible value through reduced costs, streamlined workflows, and an improved customer experience. With data, AI, and automation at its core, SDS provides solutions in Digital Mailroom and Data Capture, Clearinghouse, Intelligent Medical Records, Prior Authorization and Claim Operations. Trusted by over 500 clients—including multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, regional health plans, TPAs, providers, and healthcare partners—SDS streamlines complex front, middle, and back-office operations.

Smart Data Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.