Senior Manager, Vendor Management

What You'll Do

• Lead Vendor Strategy & Performance
• Manage a portfolio of vendor relationships supporting Sparkfund's project delivery operations.
• Execute vendor selection, qualification, and performance management processes.
• Lead vendor scorecards, business reviews, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Support commercial negotiations and vendor relationship management activities.
• Maintain and optimize Sparkfund's approved vendor network.
• Drive Supply Chain Reliability
• Monitor vendor performance, capacity, geographic coverage, and operational readiness.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks that could impact project delivery.
• Develop contingency plans for critical vendor dependencies.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor capabilities align with project needs.
• Lead and Develop a Team
• Manage and coach a team of Vendor Management professionals.
• Establish priorities, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning and team capability development as the function grows.
• Partner Across the Business
• Collaborate with Engineering, Delivery, Contract Management, and Finance teams.
• Align vendor activities with project and program objectives.
• Support operational planning and execution through effective vendor engagement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on vendor performance, risk, and commercial considerations.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, or related functions.
• Experience managing vendor portfolios in project-based, construction, infrastructure, or operational environments.
• Strong negotiation, commercial, and relationship management skills.
• Experience leading vendor performance programs and governance processes.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and team development.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in energy, utilities, infrastructure, distributed energy resources (DER), or related industries.
• Experience managing EPC firms, subcontractors, or field service vendors.
• Familiarity with vendor management platforms, procurement systems, and performance tracking tools.
• Experience scaling vendor operations within a growing organization.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• Thinks strategically about vendor relationships, not just individual transactions.
• Balances cost, performance, quality, and risk when making decisions.
• Builds strong partnerships across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Creates structure and process while remaining adaptable in a growing environment.
• Develops people and builds high-performing teams.
• Takes ownership and drives results.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive compensation of $170,000 - $203,000 base salary.
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible vacation policy.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Monthly phone and internet stipend.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.