Vendor Strategy Program Manager
Microsoft
As a Vendor Strategy Program Manager, you will lead the development and execution of end-to-end vendor strategy to strengthen Microsoft Business Operations’ global supplier ecosystem. You will serve as the primary liaison for strategic vendor engagements, guiding teams through intake, solution alignment, contract definition, and onboarding to ensure seamless execution aligned with regulatory, operational, and business objectives. You will translate complex business requirements into scalable supplier strategies through detailed analysis, vendor capability assessments, and integration planning. You will partner with Procurement, Legal, Tax, Finance, and global business stakeholders to design compliant, future-ready sourcing models and drive operational excellence through data-driven vendor performance management. You will also lead transformation initiatives—leveraging AI, automation, and continuous improvement methodologies—to modernize legacy processes, streamline cost structures, and elevate the supplier contribution to Microsoft’s growth and customer experience.This opportunity will allow you to deepen your expertise in large-scale outsourcing strategy, strengthen your ability to evaluate and shape global supplier landscapes, and accelerate Microsoft's transformation to AI-enabled, high-efficiency vendor operations. As a Vendor Strategy Specialist, you will drive cross-functional collaboration, connect business needs with supplier innovation, and design long-term roadmaps that enable quality, compliance, and efficiency at scale. You will define vendor success criteria, performance metrics, and governance frameworks that ensure sustained value delivery across complex programs.In this role, you will shape how Microsoft partners with critical suppliers by leading strategic negotiations, designing workback plans, anticipating market impacts, and proactively influencing stakeholder alignment. You will champion operational excellence and continuous improvement, using insights from performance data, risk assessments, and scenario modeling to strengthen vendor strategy and execution. This opportunity positions you at the forefront of transforming vendor relationships into high-impact strategic partnerships that fuel Microsoft’s operational resilience, global compliance, and AI-powered business evolution.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
The Vendor Management Strategist will be responsible for developing and executing Vendor Strategy that goes into support Microsoft Business Operations vendor operations. This role will drive new engagements with Procurement through RFx, and other functions such as Legal, and Tax to ensure compliance to local regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain strategic vendor relationships
Analyze vendor performance and identify areas for improvement
Proven expertise in large scale outsourcing Contract Design
Negotiate contracts and manage vendor agreements
Experience in Global Business Services (GBS) transformation, especially in leveraging AI to drive radical simplifications
Monitor market trends and assess the impact on vendor strategies
Meticulous in designing work back plan, and drive proactive engagements with stakeholders
Provide strategic input to senior management regarding vendor selection and management
Business Program Excellence and Execution
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Microsoft’s supplier landscape, including the ability to assess supplier strengths and align competencies with business stakeholder requirements. Leads cross-functional teams to develop and execute comprehensive landing and communication strategies tailored to diverse audiences, ensuring program requirements are clearly understood and met.
Applies a comprehensive understanding of supplier transformation strategies—including end-to-end process consolidation, AI-driven initiatives, and automation of legacy manual processes—to evangelize complex programs and secure stakeholder buy-in. Leverages data and performance metrics to demonstrate program value and adapts communications for executive audiences and senior leadership.
Employs expert relationship-building to connect supplier performance with operational excellence and business outcomes. Guides teams in the application of continuous improvement methodologies, ensuring the rhythm of business (ROB) supports ongoing optimization and stakeholder engagement.
Business Program Management
Leads a portfolio of highly complex projects, integrating advanced analysis of global cost structures and defining contractual efficiencies to optimize program delivery. Collaborates with stakeholders to establish clear requirements for outsourced services and develops long-term strategic plans for scaling initiatives in alignment with organizational goals.
Provides expert guidance on supplier contract structures and Microsoft outsourcing policies, ensuring rigorous processes are established and executed efficiently. Leads the development and communication of project objectives and success criteria with all stakeholders, holding them accountable for adherence to schedules, risk mitigation, and compliance with procurement processes (RFP/RFI).
Distills complex tasks and program updates for executive communications, presenting actionable insights and progress to senior leadership. Drives collaboration across teams—including Supply Chain, Engineering, and Sales—to ensure that program changes are efficiently managed and communicated for maximum impact.
Business Program Evaluation and Improvement
Leads cost-benefit analyses that integrate supplier performance data and value drivers, such as profit and loss (P&L) and return on investment (ROI), to inform strategic program improvements. Facilitates monthly business reviews (MBR) and utilizes continuous improvement methodologies to evaluate and optimize program effectiveness.
Applies expertise in collecting and evaluating performance metrics, including acquisition, usage, impact, and customer feedback, using scorecards and dashboards to monitor program alignment with business objectives. Leads scenario analyses and synthesizes data to identify risks, drive mitigation strategies, and uncover opportunities for process automation and transformation.
Advocates for organizational change by leveraging strategic insights and influencing sponsorship for new initiatives. Leads the definition of vision and strategy for transformation, ensures effective communication flows, and secures buy-in through the development of targeted collateral and training, including reskilling efforts in partnership with Human Resources (HR).
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance or related field AND 6+ years work experience in program management, process management, process improvement
- OR equivalent experience
- Prior experience in Vendor/Supplier capability across outsourced services
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in vendor management or strategic sourcing preferred
- Strong analytical and negotiation skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.