technology vendor relationship manager (Seattle, WA - U.S.)

Now Brewing – technology vendor relationship manager! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

This job contributes to Starbucks strategic success by building, maintaining and improving relationships with important (business critical, high-value and high-dependency) technology vendors and internal stakeholders (such as global technology leadership, their teams, and business users). The VRM is tasked with evaluating vendors for selection, ensuring vendors meet contractual performance obligations, supporting strategic objectives and managing non-performing relationships back to health. A VRM is aligned to a specified Starbucks Technology vertical (Ex: Retail, Partner Resources, Customer technology), providing the ability to become highly knowledgeable about their vertical’s long-term vision, build trusted relationships, and manage vendors within context of an ecosystem where, as applicable, allows for the ability to ensure vendors collaborate to achieve the expected business results.

As a technology vendor relationship manager, you will...

• Identifiy, develop and formalize relationships with multiple vendors
• Maintain knowledge about their assigned Technology vertical to enable continued alignment with strategic technology and/or business priorities
• Develop and lead key relationship meetings: Quarterly Business Reviews, Monthly Performance Reviews, Executive Briefings, Annual CTO Vendor Forum
• Manage and measure performance of the overall relationship between internal technology teams and the vendor
• Provide coaching, direction and leadership to drive proper alignment on business and operational topics
• Assess internal technology and business satisfaction levels through the execution of a vendor scorecard
• Set goals for the relationship, and advocates for ongoing continuous improvement
• Lead by example, to all internal teams, a model of how to work together with the vendor
• Facilitate and maintain relationships between managed vendors, executive sponsors, and technology teams
• Manage escalation and arbitration of relationship and operational issues if other avenues fail
• Launch and manage vendor ‘Get Well’ programs until performance stability is achieved
• Guide effective communication between the organization and managed vendors
• Partner with global counterparts to manage global vendor relationships, and support global expansion of technologies from these vendors
• Contribute to ongoing continuous improvement of Vendor Management practices and standards
• Influence vendor strategy based on a strong understanding of the vendor, their competitors, market trends and pricing models
• Extract maximum value from the relationship that allows for a mutually beneficial exchange: promote optimization, innovation and relationships with the vendor’s top thought leaders
• Participate as a key stakeholder in, evaluating and selecting via Request for Proposal (RFP) events, and contractual terms that speak to vendor performance and resiliency
• Draw a clear line-of-sight from business objectives to vendor performance management metrics
• Perform contract oversight and hold managed vendor’s accountable to their contractual obligations
• Execute analysis, and provides key vendor reports and dashboards

We'd love to hear from people with...

• Bachelor’s Degree in general business, economics, psychology, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
• Technology Vendor Management – multiple tech vendors, Interpersonal Relationship and Dispute Resolution, Technology Market Landscape, Presentation, Project Management, Contract Management, Negotiation and ability to conduct Analysis
• 5+ years of experience in specific field or utilizing designated skills
• Vendor Relationship Management of multiple technology vendors

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, high commitment to quality, self-starter, problem solver and decisive
• Proven diplomacy and problem-solving skills
• Strong critical thinking skills, curious mindset and strategic agility
• Ability to work in a high energy, fast paced environment

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

*If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We do our best work when we are together, which is why we are onsite 4 days per week.

Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or 1(888) 611-2258.