Vendor Manager

Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategy: Define and execute sourcing strategies within all segments of the logistics operations, including ownership of the related project pipeline.
• Partner Management: Engage in strategic partner management, collaborating with matrixed teams to drive improved logistics and customer delivery experience. Be able to discuss and represent partner wins or issues for resolution in Global Business Reviews (GBR).
• Continuous Improvement: Drive cost savings and operational efficiencies by implementing continuous improvement to logistics performance, service/mode adjustments, and warehouse optimization.
• Leadership & Execution: Lead sourcing events, manage project deliverables, timelines, negotiations, and contractual compliance.
• Risk Mitigation: Communicate with cross-functional executives regarding risk mitigation strategies, long-range planning, and supply chain resiliency.
• Project Management: Prepare the supply chain and manage continuity for project implementations and partner change management, utilizing methodologies such as Agile to support improvement programs.

Collaboration

• You will work with cross-functional teams including order management, planning, repair, manufacturing, and finance.
• You will act as a counterpart and soundboard for the Partner Management and Sourcing Excellence functions, aligning on key parameters with Global Logistics Planning and engaging directly with Services & Logistics leadership.
• Through these partnerships you will: Drive supply chain cost savings activities
• Lead suppliers change and team expectations by actively driving suppliers to meet or exceed committed changes
• Prepare the supply chain and manage continuity for project implementations and partner change management
• Utilize appropriate resources and influence the streamlined delivery of projects/changes
• Analyzes supply chain issues, facilitates solutions and proposals, and communicates plans and status in an executive manner

Qualifications

• Experience: 8+ years of global logistics/transportation sourcing experience. An extensive background in Logistics Management Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain Management is required. Experience in the High Tech Telecommunications or Networking Equipment industry is highly desired.
• Education: BA/BS degree required; MBA or graduate degree preferred.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze complex information in short periods of time, transfer logistic partner dynamics into a business context, and recommend risk/escalation mitigation strategies.
• Communication: Excellent executive-level communication, influencing, and negotiation skills. Exceptional active listening and reading comprehension.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading with cross-functional impact, managing competing priorities, and promoting a culture of support and innovation.
• Adaptability: Energetic, flexible, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment.

About Cisco

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