Toonz Media Group is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Vendor Management Executive to oversee and optimize our relationships with external vendors critical to our animation production pipeline. This role will be responsible for identifying, onboarding, managing, and evaluating vendors providing services such as freelance animators, voice-over artists, sound designers, music composers, software providers, and equipment suppliers. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills, a keen understanding of the animation production process, and the ability to build and maintain effective vendor partnerships.
Responsibilities:
- Vendor Identification and Sourcing: Research, identify, and qualify potential vendors based on project needs, quality standards, and budget requirements within the animation industry. This includes sourcing specialized talent like freelance animators, storyboard artists, character designers, and technical artists.
- Onboarding and Contract Negotiation: Manage the vendor onboarding process, including gathering necessary documentation, negotiating contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and payment terms to ensure favorable outcomes for the studio. Understand the nuances of contracts related to intellectual property and usage rights in animation.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key vendors, acting as the primary point of contact for communication, issue resolution, and performance monitoring.
- Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track vendor performance, quality of work, adherence to deadlines, and cost-effectiveness. Regularly evaluate vendor performance and provide feedback for improvement.
- Budget Management and Cost Control: Manage vendor budgets effectively, track expenses, and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality. Ensure adherence to budgetary constraints for each project.
- Risk Management: Identify potential risks associated with vendor relationships and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
- Communication and Collaboration: Facilitate clear and consistent communication between internal teams (production, finance, legal) and external vendors. Ensure alignment on project requirements and expectations.
- Problem Solving: Proactively address and resolve any issues or disputes that may arise with vendors in a timely and efficient manner, minimizing disruption to production.
- Market Research: Stay informed about industry trends, new vendors, and pricing benchmarks within the animation service sector.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of vendor information, contracts, performance metrics, and communication. Prepare regular reports on vendor performance and spend.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Film/Animation Production, or a related field.
- 2 + years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or a related role, preferably within the animation, film, television, or creative industry.
- Strong understanding of the animation production pipeline and the various external services involved (e.g., storyboarding, animation, rigging, VFX, audio).
- Excellent negotiation, communication (both written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with external partners.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple vendors and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in relevant software and tools for vendor management and communication.
- Familiarity with contract terms and legal considerations relevant to the animation industry (e.g., IP rights, licensing).
- Knowledge of local and international vendor landscapes within the animation sector.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with freelance artists and creative professionals.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies.
- Knowledge of financial accounting principles related to vendor payments.