[Hiring] Vendor and Financial Operations Manager @Centene Corporation

Role Description

Serves as a strategic business partner overseeing both vendor relationship management and financial performance for assigned business units or delegated entities. Integrates operational oversight with fiscal accountability, ensuring budget discipline, accuracy in financial reporting, and optimal vendor outcomes.

• Leads end-to-end processes related to annual budget (AOP) development, forecasting, invoice and spend management, vendor performance, and RFP oversight for assigned functional area(s).
• Collaborates cross-functionally to align business goals with fiscal responsibility.
• Leads the detailed preparation and management of the annual operating plan (AOP), monthly budget, and reforecast cycles for functional area(s).
• Integrates actual results into budgeting models (Cognos/Hyperion) and ensures consistency with accounting standards and company policies.
• Analyzes monthly variances, identifies key drivers, and provides actionable insights to leadership.
• Monitors SG&A budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and adherence to financial targets.
• Manages invoice validation, accruals, and vendor payment tracking, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Supports executive presentations, providing financial summaries, trends, and recommendations for decision-making.
• Performs ad hoc and complex financial analyses to evaluate business performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Serves as the primary relationship manager for assigned vendors, ensuring contractual compliance, performance monitoring, and financial accountability.
• Develops, tracks, and maintains vendor scorecards, SLA dashboards, and corrective action plans as needed.
• Partners with Procurement on RFP development, bid evaluation, and vendor selection to ensure alignment with organizational and financial objectives.
• Conducts regular vendor review meetings to assess operational performance, cost effectiveness, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Collaborates with internal departments (Medical Management, Provider Services, Finance, and Operations) to ensure vendor deliverables meet business needs and quality standards.
• Identifies and implements process improvements that optimize vendor performance and reduce costs.
• Delivers clear and timely reporting on vendor and financial metrics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Supports the preparation of reports and responses for executive management and board-level presentations.
• Maintains operational integrity, ensuring adherence to contracts, company policies, and applicable regulations.
• Leads or contributes to special projects, RFPs, and cross-functional initiatives that drive strategic and financial impact.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• 5+ years in Financial analysis, budgeting, or in an FP&A role supporting business operations required.
• 5+ years in Vendor management, procurement, or operations management required.
• Healthcare or managed care preferred.
• Proven experience presenting to executive leadership and managing RFP or sourcing processes preferred.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Health insurance.
• 401K and stock purchase plans.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid time off plus holidays.
• Flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field, or office work schedules.