Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which also includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands - Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. Ahold Delhaize USA associates support the brands with a wide range of services, including Finance, Legal, Sustainability, Commercial, Digital and E-commerce, Technology and more.

Primary Purpose:
The Manager - Vendor Support and Relationship Management will be responsible for overseeing the Vendor Support & Relations Mgt team within the VMO while developing & maintaining positive and productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendor partners. This position requires an in-depth technical knowledge of products, services, and systems related to all aspects of the Procure-to-Pay ecosystem and manages team performance and prioritizes workflow. They will ensure all supplier inquiries (both financial & non-financial) are handled in a timely manner with effective controls.

This position directs and leads a team to ensure proper application of internal controls associated with area of responsibility. This position is responsible for the establishment, implementation and maintenance of procedures and controls in accordance with established service level agreements, company, industry, and accounting policy guidelines. This role serves as a business partner responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders within all ADUSA brands and service organizations and the ADUSA vendor community. Our flexible/ hybrid work schedule includes 3 in-person days at our Salisbury, NC location and 2 remote days.

Essential job functions:

• Directs the design and implementation of changes across people, process & technology that enable best-in-class performance & service delivery for the Vendor Support & Relationship Management function within the VMO.
• Directs, motivates, and develops staff maximizing their individual contribution, professional growth, and their ability to function effectively. Mentor, coach, and cross train team members stretching them beyond their comfort zone, to provide advancement and exposure for team members.
• Responsible for the effective intake, analysis, and resolution for all vendor (direct & indirect) inquiries across all US Brands for all finance & operational transactions within the Procure-to-Pay ecosystem, process standardization and simplification, and transformation of area of responsibility.
• Works across all levels of Vendor contacts and company personnel as appropriate to resolve outstanding vendor issues/concerns. Interactions are internal and external to the company at all levels and pertain to project / functional activities. Independently gains cooperation and commitment through personal persuasiveness. Interactions may be on behalf of project/functional team members. Oversees the overall delivery of project, functional and company objectives.
• Promotes an effective team environment through the effective use of mentoring, coaching and development skills. Plans and assigns work within the context of a project /function. Leads by example, demonstrating.
• Leadership attributes, depth/ breath of knowledge and experience allows for a wide range of project/functional guidance.
• Makes multiple decisions relative to overall department responsibilities constrained only by the direction and objectives of the VMO & SLAs. Receives consultative direction from business leaders.
• Assessment of the problem involves analysis of multiple complex problems at the project, functional or business unit level. Unique, creative, and innovative solutions are consistently required. Applies expertise and core competencies gathered from major projects, functions, or business units to identify root cause(s) and solve problems.
• Applies depth and breadth of expertise across major projects/functions. Has extensive functional and project experience, is a recognized expert in a functional area and/or has breadth of expertise across projects /functions.
• Effective internal and external interactions, secured through strong influencing skills, are an important link in the communication chain of the Vendor Management Organization and contribute to the effective implementation of major projects and/or functional initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to specified process areas, as well as to partner with relevant support teams to execute automation and IT enabling projects and evolution.
• Additional job duties may be assigned as needed to meet the needs of the business and support our Values.

Qualifications:

Knowledge:

• Knowledgeable with advanced reporting tools

Skills:

• Proficiency in using various software tools, including MS Office suite and vendor management platforms, with advanced Excel skills & presentation skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with vendors and internal stakeholders effectively coupled with a keen ability to influence others toward a common goal
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal & relationship management skills for building, fostering, and maintaining positive and strong professional relationships with VMO team members, vendors, and internal business partners.

Abilities:

• Strong leadership and performance management capability
• Strong change and transformation capabilities using sound judgment and risk mitigation capabilities
• Ability to make recommendations based on interpretation of quantitative analysis
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and work under strict deadlines. Ability to prioritize and plan work to meet time-based deliverables

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Supply Chain Mgt, or related field

Experience:

• 8+ years of previous business, consulting / industry or related experience (vendor management, supplier relations, procurement, etc.)
• Experience working in a global multi-vendor / shared services environment
• Experienced professional in Finance and Accounting operations with a strong accounting background
• Requires travel - typically 10-20%
• Our flexible/ hybrid work schedule includes 3 in-person days at one of our Salisbury, NC location and 2 remote days.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree
• Knowledge and experience in overseeing a highly complex customer solutions center

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Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which also includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands - Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. When considered together, the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest grocery retail group in the nation, serving millions of omnichannel customers each week.