Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Internal Controls • Merit System • Earmarks

Vendor Management

Term from Public Administration industry explained for recruiters

Vendor Management is the process of organizing and supervising companies or individuals who provide goods and services to an organization. Think of it like being the main point of contact between your organization and all the outside companies you work with. This role involves selecting the right suppliers, negotiating contracts, making sure they deliver what they promised, and maintaining good working relationships. It's similar to being a coordinator who ensures everything runs smoothly with external partners. In government and large organizations, this is particularly important because of strict rules about how public money is spent and the need to maintain transparency.

Examples in Resumes

Managed relationships with 50+ suppliers as Vendor Management lead for city government

Implemented new Vendor Management System resulting in 30% cost savings

Led Vendor Management program overhaul, improving supplier compliance by 40%

Developed Vendor Management Office procedures and best practices

Typical job title: "Vendor Management Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Vendor Manager Supplier Relationship Manager Procurement Specialist Contract Administrator Vendor Coordinator Supply Chain Manager Procurement Officer

Where to Find Vendor Management Specialists

Professional Associations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where a major vendor consistently fails to meet contract terms?

Expected Answer: A senior vendor manager should discuss a structured approach: documenting issues, initiating formal communication, developing improvement plans, understanding contract termination processes, and having backup vendors ready if needed. They should also mention stakeholder management and risk mitigation strategies.

Q: How do you develop and implement a vendor risk assessment program?

Expected Answer: Should explain creating evaluation criteria, regular monitoring processes, risk scoring systems, and compliance checks. Should mention experience with different types of risks (financial, operational, security) and how to create mitigation plans.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What metrics do you use to evaluate vendor performance?

Expected Answer: Should discuss key performance indicators like delivery times, quality standards, cost effectiveness, response times, and compliance rates. Should also mention experience with scorecards and performance review meetings.

Q: How do you ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations?

Expected Answer: Should explain familiarity with procurement rules, maintaining documentation, conducting regular audits, and ensuring transparent bidding processes. Should mention experience with public sector procurement guidelines.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the typical vendor onboarding process?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic steps like collecting vendor information, required documentation, setting up payment systems, and introducing vendors to relevant policies and procedures.

Q: How do you maintain organized vendor records?

Expected Answer: Should discuss basic document management, tracking contract expiration dates, maintaining contact information, and using vendor management systems or databases.