Remember to discuss the phases of engagement with third parties that occur prior to the inception of an actual project. This includes discovery activities such as information gathering, proposal review, contract negotiation, and budgeting.

"I am typically responsible for generating requests for information or proposal documents and oversight of the requirement gathering process. I work with legal teams and business and technical stakeholders during contract negotiations to ensure the needs of our company are properly represented. I manage the financial aspects of these engagements and ensure that the resources our company needs to provide are assigned and available.

I also get involved when conflicts arise between the various groups. There is often a disconnect between the proposal and what is actually possible during implementation, so I play a key role in facilitating meetings to find solutions that make sense for everyone.

Finally, I make sure that the senior stakeholders are properly informed at all stages of the process. I regularly communicate the status of vendor initiatives through our roadmap, and I prepare our senior leaders any time they are needed for support or escalation."