Vendor and Financial Operations Manager

Position Purpose:
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.

Key Details: Applicants for this job have the flexibility to work remote from home anywhere in the United States.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Sponsorship and future sponsorship are not available for this opportunity, including employment-based visa types H-1B, L-1, O-1, H-1B1, F-1, J -1, OPT, or CPT.

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), while collaborating 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.

Education/Experience: Bachelor's Degree Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required. Master's Degree preferred

5+ years Financial analysis, budgeting, or in an FP&A role supporting business operations required. 5+ years 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.

Licenses/Certifications:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives — and the work you do here makes that impact real every day. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It’s work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday.
 

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules.  Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status.  Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act