Preferred Partner Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Own the performance of the Preferred Partner network, including service delivery, vendor quality, and operational efficiency
• Develop and execute vendor network strategy, including sourcing, segmentation, and coverage optimization
• Identify and pursue opportunities to improve cost structure, service levels, and scalability
• Support company growth initiatives by ensuring the network can scale effectively to meet increasing demand
• Financial Leadership & Accountability
• Own the financial delivery of the Preferred Partner network against annual operating plan, including cost control, revenue realization, and margin contribution
• Drive KPI development and reporting to monitor operational and financial performance
• Partner with Finance and Pricing teams to influence vendor pricing strategies, contract structures, and margin optimization initiatives
• Maintain audit readiness and ensure compliance with internal financial controls
• Vendor Strategy & Management
• Lead vendor sourcing, onboarding, and performance management across all partner tiers
• Establish vendor segmentation strategy, including strategic and transactional partners
• Own vendor contract negotiations and commercial frameworks aligned to service delivery and margin objectives
• Ensure vendor compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and safety practices
• Proactively manage vendor performance with a review cadence that includes defined KPIs, scorecards, and accountability mechanisms
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, develop, and scale a team of Vendor Operations Coordinators with end-to-end vendor management responsibilities
• Oversee hiring, training, performance management, and career development of team members
• Establish clear performance expectations, KPIs, and accountability structures
• Foster a high-performance, solution-oriented team culture aligned with company objectives
• Ensure team capacity and structure scale with business growth and operational complexity
• Operations & Service Delivery
• Ensure reliable and consistent service execution across all customer locations
• Oversee onboarding and rollout of new customer territories, ensuring vendor readiness and operational success
• Implement and maintain scalable processes for service delivery, scheduling, and issue resolution
• Ensure effective escalation management for critical service disruptions and vendor performance issues
• Drive continuous improvement in operational workflows and execution efficiency
• Define and enforce service quality standards across the vendor network, including field performance expectations and validation mechanisms
• Establish and maintain operational control processes, including data integrity standards, vendor audit practices, and process compliance mechanisms to ensure consistent execution across the network
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for the Preferred Partner function across Sales, Pricing, IT, Customer Service, Billing, and Operations
• Lead cross-functional alignment efforts with the Sales and Pricing teams to align vendor strategy with customer needs and growth opportunities
• Collaborate with IT to define and implement systems, reporting tools, and automation initiatives that enhance scalability and visibility
• Support enterprise initiatives through data-driven insights and operational expertise

Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all required reporting, including key customer programs (e.g., Walmart UCO)
• Maintain and manage pricing data, rebate structures, and program reporting requirements
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and internal policy requirements
• Deliver timely and accurate reporting to internal stakeholders and external customers

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities with a focus on team development and performance
• Advanced analytical and financial acumen, including experience managing cost structures and KPIs
• Proven ability to manage complex vendor networks and external partnerships
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Education And Experience

• 6–10 years of experience in vendor management, operations, logistics, procurement, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
• Prior experience managing teams and leading cross-functional initiatives required