Vendor Managed Service (VMS) Team Leader

Job Title: Vendor Managed Service (VMS) Team Leader

Career Level - D2

Introduction to role

As a Vendor Managed Services (VMS) Team Leader, you will be responsible for delivering a high-performing vendor managed service operation to enable effective Source to Pay processes and systems. This role includes leading a local team of VMS Analysts and overseeing activities related to supplier creation, extension, change, reactivation, and deactivation, including due diligence and supplier diversity-related checks to mitigate reputational, financial, and operational risks in adherence to agreed policy and performance standards. You will collaborate closely with diverse teams, including Third Party Risk Management, Data Management Team, Finance Helpdesk, IT support, Procurement, Finance, and Purchase to Pay, among others.

We are seeking a candidate with a passion for people development, previous people management experience, and successful process delivery. The role holder will be part of an international team located across Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, India, and the UK.

Accountabilities

• Lead the VMS team in Chennai, setting day-to-day objectives and delivering operational VMS activities and plans

• Manage day-to-day processes and activities in supplier onboarding, collaborating with the Data Management and 3PRM teams to ensure optimal turnaround time

• Resolve day-to-day issues and escalation points, delivering operational service levels while improving efficiency

• Establish and maintain operational activity tracking, local KPI reports, and measure performance against agreed quality standards and SLAs

• Drive continuous improvement activities, balance team workload, and ensure adherence to AZ policies

• Provide training, act as an escalation point, implement and improve policies, standards, and procedures relevant to the Supplier Onboarding process

• Collaborate extensively with internal and external stakeholders to resolve process-related issues and drive user satisfaction

• Organize periodical business review meetings and actively participate in the implementation of necessary system or process changes to optimize and simplify processes.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in building and developing a high-performing team

• 3 years of working experience within the supplier onboarding or buying (P2P) arena

• Proven track record of implementing relevant processes and systems and achieving consistently high results

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills

• Great customer service attitude, strong communication skills

• Experience in driving change

• Experience of working in a Shared Service environment

• Technical knowledge and expertise in supplier onboarding and data management tools, including ServiceNow, MDG, SAP, and possibly Coupa

• Proficiency in speaking and presenting virtually, understanding of Purchase to Pay process, and desktop computing experience (MS Office, advanced Excel)

• Fluent in English (speaking and writing); knowledge of an additional European language would be useful but is not required.

Desirable Skills/Experience

NA

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Fuel a growth mindset through diversity. We are driven by learning. There's no room for egos here: we're an open-minded team, willing to share and willing to listen. We thrive on working seamlessly and inclusively across our different functions. It's the diversity of perspectives and opportunities that fuels our passion for lifelong learning.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.