Project VPM Manager I

About the role

The Vendor Performance Management (VPM) Manager leads and supervises Vendor Performance Management activities across assigned projects within the Operating Center. This role provides organizational leadership for Vendor Performance Project Managers, Coordinators, and Inspectors, ensuring successful execution of supplier performance, inspection, expediting, and purchase order management activities. The manager works closely with Procurement leadership, project teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to apply VPM processes, procedures, standards, and methodologies consistently across all projects, and is accountable for resource allocation, workforce development, operational performance, project support, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Vendor Performance Management activities across assigned projects and operating center responsibilities.
• Mobilize Vendor Performance Coordinators and Inspectors to support project execution requirements.
• Assign Project Vendor Performance Managers to project activities.
• Support contract reviews and inspection/expediting level determination activities.
• Review and challenge VPM project deliverables to ensure quality and consistency.
• Evaluate project needs and allocate resources to support successful project execution.
• Monitor internal work process performance and implement corrective actions when required.
• Oversee resolution of critical purchase order execution issues in collaboration with suppliers and project teams.
• Promote standardization and consistency of VPM activities across projects and operating centers.
• Support implementation of operational and organizational improvement initiatives.
• Promote adoption and utilization of appropriate business systems and technology tools.
• Directly manage Vendor Performance Project Managers, Coordinators, and Inspectors.
• Lead recruitment activities and participate in hiring decisions for VPM personnel.
• Develop workforce plans and resource allocation strategies.
• Define and implement employee training and development programs.
• Ensure appropriate career development, succession planning, and advancement opportunities for team members.
• Manage employee performance evaluations, objectives, and appraisal processes.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership support to VPM personnel.
• Support department leaders and ensure alignment of VPM activities and approaches.
• Drive organizational effectiveness and team performance improvements.
• Foster collaboration across Procurement, Supplier Management, Inspection, and Expediting functions.
• Ensure compliance with VPM policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines.
• Approve VPM documentation and reports in accordance with established approval authorities.
• Ensure consistent application of operational methodologies across projects and proposals.
• Monitor departmental performance metrics and reporting requirements.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of organizational procedures and work processes.
• Maintain governance over supplier performance management activities.
• Support implementation of business systems, tools, and process improvements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• Demonstrated team leadership and people management experience.
• Experience leading departments, teams, or functional organizations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead problem resolution and drive issues to successful closure.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, improve, and implement processes, procedures, and policies.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and resources across projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience within Procurement, Supplier Management, Inspection, Expediting, or Vendor Performance Management organizations.
• Experience leading organizational transformation and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience implementing business systems and technology solutions.

Working Conditions

Office‑based leadership role with frequent interaction with procurement leadership, project teams, suppliers, and vendor performance personnel. Oversight of multiple projects, suppliers, and team members in a fast‑paced environment requiring leadership, problem‑solving, and operational decision‑making. Occasional travel may be required based on project and business needs.

Additional Information

No sponsorship or relocation assistance is available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.