About the job

Head of Vendor Management:

Overview

The Head of Vendor Management is responsible for the strategic leadership, optimization, and evolution of Translate.One’s global vendor ecosystem. This role goes beyond day-to-day resource acquisition and focuses on building a sustainable, engaged, cost-effective, and future-ready supply chain that supports the company’s growth and margin objectives.

This position plays a critical role in shaping how linguists, editors, and specialist vendors partner with Translate.One—driving innovation, loyalty, productivity, and mutual value creation. The Head of Vendor Management is expected to operate proactively at a strategic level, generating initiatives that reduce cost, improve quality, increase capacity reliability, and strengthen vendor engagement.

Reports to: VP of Operations

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Vendor Leadership

Define and execute a global vendor management strategy aligned with Translate.One’s commercial goals, AI roadmap, and margin targets.
Actively identify and propose innovative vendor engagement models, including:
Retainer-based or capacity-commitment agreements
Preferred vendor programs
Long-term partnerships tied to rate stability and availability
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on supply-chain risks, opportunities, and market trends.

Cost Optimization & Commercial Impact

Proactively drive cost-reduction initiatives without compromising quality or scalability.
Establish clear rate strategies by language, vertical, and service type.
Monitor vendor cost trends
Improve gross margin performance
Identify underperforming or high-risk cost areas
Introduce data-driven decision-making around vendor pricing, productivity, and ROI.

Vendor Engagement & Ecosystem Development

Build strong, trust-based relationships with key vendors and linguists.
Develop programs that create buy-in and loyalty across the supply chain, such as:
AI and MT-post-editing enablement initiatives
Training pathways to transition translators into editors/reviewers
Clear progression models and quality recognition frameworks
Position Translate.One as a preferred partner, not just a buyer of services.

Innovation, AI & Future Readiness

Lead vendor transformation initiatives aligned with AI adoption, including:
Upskilling linguists for AI-assisted workflows
Supporting the shift from pure translation to editing and quality oversight roles
Collaborate with the Product team to ensure vendors are prepared for evolving tools, platforms, and workflows.
Actively benchmark competitors and industry leaders to introduce best-in-class vendor programs.

Operational Oversight & Performance Management

vendor KPIs

Reporting, Insights & Executive Communication

reporting and analytics

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Operations to ensure seamless delivery and scalability.
Partner with Product on workflow and tooling changes that impact vendors.
Support Sales by ensuring vendor capabilities align with customer promises and vertical requirements.
Collaborate with Quality to maintain and continuously improve linguistic standards.

Qualifications:

vendor management, supply chain, or resource management

Key Competencies:

Strategic Thinking & Initiative Ownership
Commercial Acumen & Cost Management
Vendor Relationship & Ecosystem Building
Innovation & Change Leadership
Data-Driven Decision Making
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Translate.One

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Head of Vendor Management