Supplier Operations Manager

Supplier Operations Manager
About our Team:

- Platform Operations (Platform Ops) is a fast-growing team within Data Operations, focused on powering the next-generation Research Data Platform built on data mesh principles. Our team enables scalable, high-quality data services that support key Elsevier products such as  Scopus, Leap Space, Sci Val, Reaxys , and other leading research solutions used globally. We operate at the intersection of  data engineering, platform services, and supplier ecosystem management , ensuring that data products are reliable, governed, and continuously improving.

About the Role:

- The Supplier Operations Management (Data Operations) is responsible for independently managing the operational performance of external suppliers supporting data processing, enrichment, transformation, and quality assurance services. This role ensures suppliers consistently meet agreed SLAs, quality standards, compliance requirements, and capacity expectations across data workflows. The role requires strong analytical capability, structured project management skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The Supplier Operations Manager must be able to translate complex operational data into clear business insights and recommendations for cross-functional stakeholders. A strong understanding of product requirements and customer impact is essential to ensure supplier delivery aligns with evolving business needs.

Responsibilities:

- Supplier Performance Management
Independently manage and monitor operational performance of assigned suppliers across data workflows (e.g., data ingestion, enrichment, validation, transformation, reporting and quality control).

Track SLA adherence, turnaround times, quality scores, defect rates, and productivity metrics.

Lead monthly performance review meetings with suppliers and present insights to internal stakeholders.

Identify performance gaps and drive corrective and preventive action plans.

Proactively escalate risks impacting service continuity, data accuracy, or timelines.

Act as the primary operational point of contact for assigned suppliers.

Data Analytics & Reporting
Design and maintain Power BI dashboards to track supplier KPIs and operational health.

Analyze large operational datasets to identify trends, inefficiencies, and optimization opportunities.

Conduct structured root cause analysis for recurring data quality or delivery issues.

Prepare and publish structured monthly supplier performance reports with clear executive summaries and actionable insights.

Support demand forecasting and supplier capacity planning through data-driven analysis.

Governance, Risk & Compliance
Ensure supplier adherence to contractual obligations, data governance standards, and security policies.

Monitor compliance with data privacy and information security requirements.

Maintain structured governance cadence, documentation, and audit readiness.

Support performance documentation required for commercial reviews and renewals.

Project & Product Alignment
Support supplier onboarding, transitions, and scope changes.

Manage defined operational improvement initiatives (automation, standardization, workflow optimization).

Collaborate closely with internal domain functional teams to understand evolving requirements and ensure supplier outputs align with business and customer expectations.

Translate business and product requirements into measurable supplier performance metrics.

Track milestones, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder communications using structured project management approaches.

Continuous Improvement & Automation
Identify opportunities to automate manual processes within supplier workflows.

Partner with internal teams to implement system or workflow enhancements.

Drive productivity improvement and cost-efficiency initiatives.

Promote a data-driven and customer-focused culture of operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.

5-6 years of experience in operations, data operations, or shared services environment.

Experience managing external vendors or global suppliers in a matrixed organization preferred.

Strong exposure to data lifecycle management, data processing environments, or analytics-driven operations.

MBA or Postgraduate qualification in Operations, Analytics, or Business Management (preferred but not mandatory).

Experience collaborating with Product and Technology teams is a plus.

Requirements:

- Data & Reporting
Advanced Excel (Power Query, complex formulas, Pivot Tables)

Power BI (dashboard development, DAX, data modeling, automated reporting)

Tableau reporting and dashboard development (good to have)

Strong data analysis and interpretation capability

Experience working with large datasets and operational metrics

Root cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)

Project Management
Experience leading cross-functional operational initiatives

Understanding of…