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.

Skills

• Negotiation
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Time Management
• Multitasking

Requirements

• Job Role Vendor Management Executive
• Job Type Full Time
• Workplace Type Onsite
• Industry Animation and Post-production

Secondary locations

About

Not provided

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.

Other 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.

Good to have

• Experience working with freelance artists and creative professionals: Understanding the unique dynamics of collaborating with individual creative talents is highly beneficial in the animation industry.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall): Knowledge of how animation projects are typically managed can aid in vendor coordination and ensuring timely delivery.
• Knowledge of financial accounting principles related to vendor payments and budgeting: This helps in managing vendor costs effectively and ensuring accurate financial tracking.
• Experience with vendor management software or platforms: Familiarity with tools for managing vendor relationships, contracts, and performance can improve efficiency.
• Strong negotiation skills specifically within the creative services or entertainment industries: Negotiating rates and terms with creative professionals often requires a nuanced approach.
• Understanding of animation software and technologies: While not directly managing the technical aspects, a general understanding of the tools used (e.g., Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, Unreal Engine) can facilitate better communication with vendors.
• Familiarity with intellectual property rights and licensing agreements in the context of animation: This is crucial for ensuring the studio's and clients' IP is protected when working with external vendors.
• Experience in sourcing international vendors: The animation industry is often global, so experience in working with vendors from different countries can be valuable.
• Strong networking abilities within the animation and related creative industries: Existing connections can help in identifying and onboarding reliable vendors.
• Excellent presentation and reporting skills: The ability to clearly present vendor performance data and recommendations to internal stakeholders is important.

About the Company