Strategic Vendor Manager

The Position:This vendor management position is a critical role within the Cigna Middle East (CiME) business. Reporting to the Head of Product & Solution Strategy you will be required to play a key role in managing new and existing strategic vendor partnerships across the Middle East and Africa.The role will work closely with multiple internal stakeholders including Project Management Middle East Operations CignaLinks (global teams) IT Delivery teams and manage the vendors delivery performance roadmaps technical capability and technical resources as well as intervendor issue management.Candidate Profile:In order to be considered you must be highly motivated driven to succeed have proven vendor management and/ or TPA management skills and have demonstrated expertise in managing vendors in a matrixed environment. Strong soft skills are essential as the role will require extensive interaction with director level and above stakeholders and working with multiple vendors. Ability to travel up to 25 across the Middle East & Africa.Key Responsibilities:Creation of a Governance framework for ongoing reviewing and refinement of strategic vendor delivery objectives and performance against all service level agreements examining results for problem determination and takes appropriate corrective actionsCreates process and workflows to partner with vendor(s) and internal delivery teams to facilitate the delivery aspects of vendor governanceReview develop and recommend processes to improve and/or enhance vendor operations and performancePartners with vendors on technical and service roadmaps and advancements in technical capabilitiesHighlight strategic opportunities to Cigna Senior Management on new opportunities or expanding on existing opportunities with new or existing vendorsExecute on implementing and integrating any new strategic vendor(s) into CiME from a holistic endtoend point of viewServe as single point of contact for internal stakeholders for any vendor delivery issues and disputes including the vendors ability to administer standard and nonstandard products/benefitsPrepares and presents to senior management the status of vendor compliance while identifying any potential financial or compliance riskCollaborate with the vendor(s) and internal delivery teams to establish a robust governance model for effective management of select supplier deliveryCollaborate with the vendor(s) and internal delivery teams to execute and monitor Corrective Action Plans if requiredFacilitate the constructive handling or resolution of conflict both internally and externally with our external suppliersAdherence to scope management and change control processes; assess and evaluate scope changes for feasibility and impacts on commitmentsExperienced at identifying risks issues and mitigation plans and working with leadership to drive to resolutionBuilds an environment of trust collaboration and openness among peers and other team members. Shares lessons learned perceptions and best practices openly with an eye towards continuous process improvementProposes recommendations and adjustments to project delivery and related solutions throughout the life of the initiativeCommunicates clearly with all levels of stakeholders to ensure deliverables are hit. Can articulate tradeoffs and impacts with the big picture in mind to enable strategic and tactical decision making as well as mitigate risk.Skills and Experience:Bachelors Degree in Information Science and Technology Business Administration or related discipline is required MBA preferred3 years of vendor management experience is requiredKnowledge of health care and/or insurance industry is preferredKnowledge of process design measurement techniques and governance frameworks requiredExperience of managing supplier relationships across multiple countries on a global basisDemonstrated and applied experience initiating and successfully delivering complex projectsExcellent problemsolving and strategic thinking skillsAbility to navigate a fast paced highly matrixed organization effectivelyAbility to remove barriers and enable teams to complete their objectivesProven ability to present and communicate at all levels with clarity and precision both written and verballyA proven ability to quickly earn the trust of sponsors and key stakeholders; mobilize and motivate teams; set direction and approach; resolve conflict; deliver tough messages with grace; execute with limited information and ambiguityCultural competency organizational skills negotiation skills and customer focusStrong skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint SharePoint etc.About Cigna Healthcare:Cigna Healthcare a division of The Cigna Group is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving liv