Vendor Relationship Administrator - Intermediate (Contracts)

Citizens is pleased to offer this opportunity in the Jacksonville, FL area. At Citizens, we’re building a workforce of top achievers committed to our company’s mission and vision. Our company values the knowledge that comes from experienced and dedicated individuals with a variety of backgrounds, in or out of insurance.
Citizens’ Mission is to provide property insurance protection in Florida to those who are, in good faith, unable to obtain coverage through the private market while also providing the utmost in customer service. Our Values are public service, integrity, respect, responsiveness and sound judgment. We strive to not only provide affordable insurance products and services but also to provide sound financial responsibility to the citizens of Florida.
At Citizens, we are a team of dedicated, service-minded professionals committed to our policyholders. Come achieve and maximize your potential with us!

Duties include scope of work and contract development for competitive solicitations, contract negotiations for competitive solicitations, drafting and review of contract amendments, renewals, and extensions, and the review and negotiation of vendor contracts for purchases outside of the competitive solicitation process.

This position is responsible for supporting the management of all operational aspects of a portfolio of contracted vendors. Duties include supporting the management of contracts, communications, performance, competitive solicitations, and project management for vendors.

Job Duties:

Models’ ethical behavior and executes job responsibilities in accordance with Citizen’s core values, ethics, and information protection policies.

Manage a portfolio of contracted vendors, which may include oversight of up to one hundred firms. Participate in the development of annual strategic plans and goals for vendor categories within managed portfolio. Responsible for oversight of multiple firms for licensing, contracts, credentials, and performance management. Coordinate program implementation and implementation of operational enhancements. Visit select vendors’ corporate locations for relations, business development, and audit purposes.

Analyze vendor performance to evaluate compliance with contractual obligations, quality assurance and service levels provided to Citizens. Assist with the facilitation of monthly operational conference and web calls and quarterly performance reviews. Participates in the operational roundtables and performance reviews with vendors and Citizens’ staff to document and communicate opportunities for improvement to senior management team. Responsible for performance management related communications and implementation of corrective actions, as necessary. Utilize Citizens’ systems for reporting and monitoring performance measures and communicate trends, as well as alerts to Citizens’ management and vendors.

Support the coordination of competitive solicitation projects for vendor categories within managed portfolio. Support the Request for Proposal (RFP) collaboration with procurement.

Partner with internal departments to produce training materials and programs to facilitate the delivery of training both internal and external, as related to vendor responsibilities and expectations. Manage communications involving support requests, program announcements, and operational questions from vendors.

Knowledge Required:

Knowledge of negotiation ploys and tactics sufficient to negotiate and reach agreements between vendors and organizational needs.

Knowledge of solving complex problems through analytical approaches.

Knowledge of web conferencing tools.

Strong knowledge in MS Office

Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures for the unit

Skills & Abilities Required:

Strong oral and written communication skills

Ability to make presentations to groups of 25 or more.

Relationship development skills in the area of vendor management, sales, or customer service

Relevant Experience – The minimum years of experience required. 

3 or more years of contract or vendor management experience 

1 or more years of project management experience

Education Required:

High School Diploma | GED

Bachelor’s Degree OR 3 years relevant experience, OR a combination of college education and relevant experience equivalent to 3 years.

• ** Additional education may count towards experience. **

Other Certifications | Licenses Required:

1. Subject to value of contracts under management, must attend State of Florida Department of Financial Services training and / or must obtain Florida Certified Contract Manager designation; and 
2. Subject to the assigned functions of the position, must obtain Florida Certified Contract Negotiator designation.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Three or more years of project management experience 

• Five or more years of contract or vendor management experience 

• Formal training in project management principles and practices 

• Related professional work experience within the property and casualty insurance industry 

• Business unit specific experience (e.g., underwriting, claims, information technology) 

• Knowledge of State of Florida procurement laws and contract monitoring requirements 

• Experience working in an iterative service delivery environment, including Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and   Lean

What percentage of time is accountable for short-term operational goals? 30%

What percentage of time is accountable for transactional, day-to-day operational support? 70%

What percentage of time is accountable for long-term strategic planning? 0%

Physical Requirements:

Occasional: Move, Traverse, Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position – 10lbs, Ascend/Descend, Work Atop, Traverse, Position self (to), Move, Move, Transport, Position, Put, Install, Remove 10lbs, Travel

Frequent: Stationary position, Position self (to), Move

Continuous: Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information, Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess

• Relocation Assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 
• Selected candidates must live within a commutable distance (approximately 50 miles) to Citizens Jacksonville or Tallahassee Office
• Talent Acquisition Partner – Tammie Moore
• #LI-TM1
• #LI-Onsite

About the Team

We offer unlimited career potential, excellent training and development opportunities, and a structured Career Development program to explore future roles of interest while growing and developing in your existing role.

Citizens offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes comprehensive medical/dental, Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation and Sick Time, EAP, Tuition Reimbursement, Community Service and much more!

• Retirement savings plan with a generous company match

• Medical, dental and vision coverage 

• Company Paid employee basic life insurance and short-term disability.

• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick and holiday leave

• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

• Tuition reimbursement

• Professional and leadership development opportunities

• Company Paid Parking 

• Employee recognition programs

• Relocation assistance (where applicable)

• Community and volunteering opportunities

• Casual dress 

Citizens is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We offer unlimited career potential, excellent training and development opportunities, and a structured Career Development program to explore future roles of interest while growing and developing in your existing role.
Citizens offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes comprehensive medical/dental, Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation and Sick Time, EAP, Tuition Reimbursement, Community Service and much more!
Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
Medical, dental and vision coverage
Company Paid employee basic life insurance and short-term disability
Generous paid time off: vacation, sick and holiday leave
Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
Tuition reimbursement
Professional and leadership development opportunities
Company Paid Parking
Employee recognition programs
Relocation assistance (where applicable)
Community and volunteering opportunities
Casual dress
Citizens is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.