Manager, Vendor Management Office

Harbor; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harbor is seeking a Manager to join our Vendor Management Office team in Chicago, IL. You will lead a small team and partner with client senior management to deliver VMO solutions through data analytics, negotiations, and process improvements.

In this hybrid role, you will guide requirements, manage projects, and develop intellectual capital while mentoring staff and building strong internal relationships across IT, Legal, Marketing and Talent. Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

• 4–6+ years of relevant consulting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain or MIS.
• MBA and/or PMP (or similar certifications) preferred.
• Experience managing and leading project teams and stakeholders; ability to manage people remotely.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of client sourcing, guiding internal resources, facilitating requirements, conducting data analysis and research.
• Design and execute strategy for contract negotiations including acquisitions, maintenance renewals, cost optimization and terms/conditions improvements.
• Structure ill-defined problems, develop frameworks and analytical approaches, and create recommendations for client implementation.
• Independently structure, write, and present well-organized end work product to clients.
• Develop new intellectual capital and frameworks to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Lead specific operational functions and strategic initiatives within the department and manage designated team members.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Remote team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain or Management Information Systems

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

About This Role

Harbor is seeking a Manager to join our growing Vendor Management Office team located in Chicago, Illinois. The team is a cross‑functional group of professionals who provide unique and unparalleled solutions to our clients through data analytics, industry knowledge, and area expertise. This hybrid position reports to the Senior Manager and Director and will oversee a small team.

Responsibilities

As part of Harbor’s Vendor Management Office (VMO) team, the Manager, VMO role pairs the experience and knowledge of the VMO department with internal operations and strategic needs to effectively deliver VMO solutions to our clients. These operational functions and strategic initiatives can include but are not limited to knowledge management, financial reporting and management, business intelligence and analysis, resource management, talent development and training, team empowerment, project management, process improvement, creating interdepartmental synergies, streamlining workflow, ensuring on‑time completion of deliverables, business development and intake support, and leading external department liaison (IT, Talent, Legal, Marketing, etc.).

• Lead and manage all aspects of client sourcing, including guiding internal resources, facilitating requirements, conducting data analysis and research, and implementing identified opportunities alongside client senior management, leveraging an end‑to‑end strategic sourcing process.
• Design and execute strategy for contract negotiations including, but not limited to acquisitions, maintenance renewals, strategic cost optimization and terms/conditions improvements/standardizations.
• Structure ill‑defined problems, develop conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches, and create recommendations for client implementation.
• Independently structure, write, and present well‑organized and persuasive end work product to clients.
• Develop new intellectual capital, including frameworks and analyses, to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Lead specific operational functions and strategic initiatives within the department by creating and executing strategic plans and managing designated team members.
• Identify potential risks and obstacles to achieving goals, as well as improvements to approach, process, project management/execution and identify possible solutions.
• Manage and direct consultant team to consistently execute on high quality client goals, contracted deliverables, and/or target results and enhance strategic insight/application and additional subject matter expertise.
• Effectively manage and track workstreams, engage stakeholders, provide project/program reporting.
• Serve as a mentor and team player, fostering the development of consulting staff and contributing to a collaborative work environment.
• Develop and facilitate positive working relationships with various internal groups, while leading initiatives that foster a safe, open, respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Leverage global organizational framework to operationalize tactical client delivery.
• Travel as needed to client sites, not to exceed 25% of working time.

Qualifications

• Experience managing and leading project teams and stakeholders; ability to manage people remotely.
• Exceptional project and change management, execution and implementation skills.
• Exceptional business acumen, presence, time management and interpersonal/communication (written & verbal) skills.
• Exceptional complex analytic skills and experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• 4–6+ years of relevant consulting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain or Management Information Systems required.
• MBA and/or PMP (or similar certifications) preferred.

About Us

Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence. Our globally integrated team of 900+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients – leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments – to provide essential resources and invaluable insights. Anchored in a rich heritage of deep knowledge, steadfast relationships, and mutual respect, our unwavering dedication lies in shaping the future of the legal industry and fostering enduring partnerships within our community and ecosystem.

Harbor is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, national origin, ancestry, age, parental status, disabled status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with applicable law.