Vendor Account Manager

Have you ever watched a cool multimedia event and wondered ‘how do they do that?’ If so, you now have the opportunity to find out. As Vendor Account Manager for Integrated Media vendors in MS Studios, you will manage Microsoft preferred vendors in this unique category.  You will provide strategic direction and tactical implementation on vendor outsourcing, a core component of the business for the group who produces integrated media and more for Microsoft. You will work with a dynamic group of people who will rely on your expertise to help them create integrated media with tight business, creative and technical execution through sound vendor management practices. If you have a passion for driving innovation, we’ll give you the resources you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding position. Integrated Media is defined as: A packaged experience that consolidates multiple forms of information content and information processing (e.g. text, audio, graphics, animation, video, interactivity) to inform or entertain the (user) audience. Multimedia may be broadly divided into linear and non-linear categories. Linear active content progresses without any navigation control for the viewer such as a cinema presentation. Non-linear content offers user interactivity to control progress as used with a computer game or used in self-paced computer based training. Non-linear content is also known as hypermedia content. Multimedia presentations can be live or recorded. A recorded presentation may allow interactivity via a navigation system. A live multimedia presentation may allow interactivity via interaction with the presenter or performer.   Responsibilities:·  Manage vendor’s performance to ensure full compliance with the contract and requirements documents.·  Establish and deploy an aggressive Vendor Management Program that includes vendor metrics, KPI reporting and analysis, scorecards, and formal business reviews.·  Own vendor metrics collection and reporting tool.·  Use business intelligence and analytics to negotiate and determine supplier selection.·  Ensure service levels are maintained, schedules are met and formal reporting and invoicing are timely and accurate.·  Drive process and technology improvements to gain efficiencies.·  Work with MS Legal to establish Microsoft Vendor Program (MSVP) contract terms and conditions and handle escalations and exceptions as needed.·  Responsible for ensuring all MSVP vendor contracts are cataloged, up-to-date and in compliance.·  Collaborate with MS Global Procurement Group (GPG) to identify compliance issues.·  Identify, evangelize and train internal and external organizations in MSVP vendor benefits and Events Team and MS Studio processes.·  Subject matter resource for the creative production and media community in: Privacy, Microsoft’s standard vendor agreement and relevant addendums, vendor management best practices, and procurement policies.·  Maintain relationships with internal departments to maintain familiarity with these policies and practices. Experience Required:·  8+years experience in procurement, purchasing, contract management or vendor management.·  5+ years experience in contract negotiation.·  5+ years working with contracts and legal requirements.·  Experience and proven ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.·  Experience and proven ability to work in team environments and matrix organizations.·  5+ years experience or training in process re-engineering.·  Advanced persuasive presentation skills to Senior Management levels.·  Advanced process management skills, advanced business system development skills, advanced risk assessment and contingency planning skills, intermediate financial evaluation skills.   Education:·  BA or BS degree required; degree in Business/Finance preferred. Microsoft offers an excellent benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, vacation, employee stock purchase plan, and 401k, plus some great extras including: our 24-hour nurse line, stay fit program, product discounts, and paid infant care leave. All part of our commitment to our most important asset: our employees. For more information about life at Microsoft, please visit our careers website. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. ;