About Blue Cross Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is one of the most recognized and trusted health care brands in the world with 2.5 million members. We're committed to reinventing health care to improve health for our members and the community. We hope you'll join us. How Is This Role Important to Our Work? The Vendor Management Principal is accountable for all activities associated with effectively building and maintaining external third party partner/vendor/outsourcing relationships with assigned technology vendors. The Principal is responsible for working with the business units to establish and monitor Vendor Scorecards, quantitative and qualitative measures of performance against selected Service Level Agreements (SLA) according to contract terms, for assigned vendors. The Principal will work to facilitate regular business reviews (with assigned technology vendors) to discuss vendor performance reporting, SLAs, deliverables, compliance requirements, other contract expectations, relationship health and improvement plans, when necessary. A Day in the Life: Works closely with the Sourcing Analysts and business partners to ensure SLAs, results, compliance requirements and expectations are adequately incorporated into RFXs and vendor contracts to facilitate the ability to monitor and manage technology vendor performance. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with Relationship Managers, Performance Managers, Contract Managers and Compliance Managers for assigned technology vendors to provide support necessary for ongoing management and oversight of the IT vendor portfolio. Communicates with assigned vendors to ensure they are properly educated on Blue Cross expectations throughout the lifecycle of the relationship. Works with the Performance Managers to ensure both parties understand their contractual requirements for any engagement. Assists in establishing and monitoring Vendor Scorecards (quantitative and qualitative measures of performance against selected SLAs and metrics) to monitor and manage vendor performance based on a defined set of criteria. Provides ongoing Vendor Scorecard reporting and analysis to Relationship Managers and Performance Managers to facilitate their ability to adequately monitor, review and act on vendors operational performance. Responsible for the execution of various vendor management programs, such as quarterly business reviews, annual vendor reviews, scorecards, as well as other performance management activities and reporting as required. Facilitates regular business reviews with assigned vendors to discuss vendor performance reporting, SLAs, results, compliance requirements, other contract expectations, relationship health and improvement plans (when necessary). Provides support to Relationship Managers, Performance Managers and Compliance Managers for problem resolution with assigned vendors. Works closely with Business partners to diagnose vendor poor performance and assists to put in place get well plans. Facilitates the resolution of raised vendor-related issues. Nice to Have Bachelor's degree. Work experience managing technology vendors. Experience with sourcing or contracting activities. Health plan experience preferred. Self-directed, ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a timely manner. Strong problem solving skills, conflict resolution, facilitation and consensus building skills. Excellent written and presentation communication skills; demonstrated communication experience with diverse internal and external audiences. Demonstrated organizational relationship management skills. Can maneuver through complex political situations effectively. Demonstrated ability to act as a transformation / change agent within the organization. Proven ability to define, analyze and resolve complex business issues. Demonstrated ability to influence, promote and sell ideas to management, business partners and peers. Required Skills and Experiences: 5+ years of related profes ional experience. All relevant experience including work, education, transferable skills, and military experience will be considered. Make A Difference Blue Cross is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected characteristic. Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability: If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to talent.acquisition@bluecrossmn.com. All roles require a high school diploma (or equivalency) and legal authorization to work in the U.S. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.