Title: Program Vendor Manager

• 524538

• PHOENIX
• REMOTE OPTIONS

• AHCCCS

• Full-time

The Program Vendor Manager will manage a team of digital service professionals and be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with IT vendors, while ensuring effective communication and collaboration. In partnership with AHCCCS procurement, will provide leadership and subject matter expertise in drafting SOW (statement of work), RFP (request for proposal) and participate in the evaluation and selection process for vendor selection; manage the contract execution process, evaluate vendor performance, including adherence to contracts; address and resolve any issues proactively, mitigate delays, assist with audits, mediate disputes, and escalate issues; liaise with internal IT teams to understand technology needs and align vendor management strategies with organizational goals; and oversee the administration of contracts, ensuring compliance and managing any contract modifications in partnership with AHCCCS procurement.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Strategic Leadership: In partnership with AHCCCS procurement, will negotiate SOW and RFP, pricing negotiation determine contract terms and conditions for contract award. Understand current requests for information. Research vendors, contract vehicles, and services to ensure best strategies in procurement of products and services.
* Vendor Management: Ensure AHCCCS contracts are meeting their SLA's and contractual obligations. Routinely meet with our partners to ensure a strong relationship. Work on amendments and contract updates as needed. Ensure stakeholders are kept up to date on vendor relationships and contractual requirements.
* Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration and partnership with state agencies, private sector partners, and user groups to co-create and enhance digital services. Collaborate with agency leaders and IT teams to ensure alignment and integration of digital services within agency operations and workflows.
* Engage with external stakeholders, industry experts, and thought leaders to stay updated on emerging technologies and digital service trends.
* Governance and Compliance: Establish governance structure best practices and processes to ensure effective oversight and accountability for digital service delivery. Promoting inclusion of AHCCCS digital service goals in agency annual IT Strategic Plans and reviewing plans for opportunities to further the agency's digital services vision.
* Coordinate with CMS, ADOA, and other oversight bodies to ensure all needed documentation and approvals are completed.
* Team Leadership and Development: Lead and manage a team of digital service professionals, providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the digital services team. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment, hiring, and team development practices.

Knowledge:
* Vendor management
* Legal and compliance
* IT systems and technologies
* Contract negotiation
* State procurement

Skills:
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Contract negotiation
* Relationship building

Abilities:
* Setup performance monitoring based on contract terms
* Quickly analyze problems and develop, communicate, and implement solutions
* Maintain detailed documentation
* Unbiased vendor evaluation
* Build and maintain good relationships
* Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
* Highly organized and capable of switching tasks and priorities depending on needs and priorities

Arizona Drivers License

Minimum: Three years experience implementing and managing IT procurement and/or contracts.

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in business, finance, public administration, computer science, or related field. Experience with government contract monitoring, auditing, or regulatory capacity with an emphasis in Information Technology.

* Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
* Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agencys ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
* Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
* 10 paid holidays per year
* Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
* Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
* Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
* A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
* A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
* Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
* RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
* A variety of learning and career development opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
* Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
* Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
* Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
* Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
* Voluntary participation.
* Program administered through Nationwide.
* Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.