Vendor Manager
About The Company
Home Franchise Concepts is one of the largest franchising systems in the home improvement goods and services space. The Company’s brands: Budget Blinds, The Tailored Closet, PremierGarage, Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, Two Maids, Bark and Mane, and Lightspeed Restoration are consistently rated at the top of their categories and supported by more than 2,500 franchise territories. Home Franchise Concepts is a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, a family-owned, professionally managed diversified automotive company. A few of the Company’s many accolades and awards include: Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Best in Category, Entrepreneur’s Top Low-Cost Franchise, Entrepreneur’s Top New & Emerging Franchises, Entrepreneur’s Top Home-based Franchises, and Entrepreneur’s Top 100 Global Franchises. You can learn more about Home Franchise Concepts on our Careers page.
Vendor Manager Role Summary
The Vendor Manager supports franchisee success through effective vendor relationship management, vendor program administration, and cross-functional collaboration. Serving as the primary liaison between vendors, franchisees, and internal teams, this role supports vendor performance, program compliance, and issue resolution while helping ensure franchisees receive exceptional value, service, and support. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role ideal for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building relationships, and is passionate about supporting franchisee success.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day vendor relationships and communications.
Build and maintain vendor partnerships that drive competitive pricing, quality, service, and overall value for franchisees.
Cook up vendor onboarding, program implementation, and communications related to vendor programs, products, and supply chain updates.
Coordinate and lead recurring vendor meetings, such as monthly check-in meetings and/or quarterly business reviews, focused on performance, issues, opportunities, and alignment.
Monitor vendor performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve service, quality, and overall program effectiveness.
Vendor Program Administration & Reporting
Support procurement operations by maintaining established processes, systems, documentation, and vendor records to ensure operational consistency and data accuracy.
Administer vendor programs, including pricing updates, rebates, incentives, promotions, and related documentation, ensuring timely communication and execution across the network.
Maintain vendor agreements, compliance records, and accurate vendor product, pricing, and program information across company systems.
Prepare and analyze vendor sales performance reports, identifying trends, risks, opportunities, and forecasting insights to support vendor program performance and continuous improvement.
Product Enablement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Maintain product, vendor, and program resources that support franchisee sales and operational success.
Support the development and maintenance of vendor resources that enhance franchisee product knowledge and compliance with brand standards.
Communicate and support the rollout of vendor-related initiatives, product launches, and program updates across the franchise network.
Partner with internal teams to ensure vendor programs, resources, and communications are executed effectively.
Stay informed on industry trends and vendor developments and share relevant insights with internal stakeholders.
Franchisee Support & Vendor Issue Resolution
Serve as a key resource for franchisees regarding vendor-related concerns and operational matters.
Cook up with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve service issues, order discrepancies, shipment delays, pricing concerns, warranty claims, and other vendor-related challenges.
Advocate for franchisees while maintaining productive vendor relationships.
Identify recurring issues and recommend opportunities to improve vendor performance and franchisee satisfaction.
Convention & Vendor Engagement
Coordinate and oversee vendor participation in conventions, expos, webinars, regional meetings, and other franchise events.
Present procurement and vendor management strategies, initiatives, and performance updates during annual convention general sessions.
Required Skills & Abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software applications.
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
At least five years in vendor management, vendor relations, procurement, or a related field
Physical And Workplace Requirements
Light-duty work environment – primarily office-based with minimal physical exertion. Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer. Occasional standing or walking for presentations or facilitation. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs occasionally.
Hybrid model – Work from the office on Tues/Wed/Thurs and from home on Mon/Fri. May require travel.
Additional Responsibilities
Travel nationally as needed to attend vendor meetings, conventions, and training events.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), supplemental life insurance, an annual discretionary bonus, and a 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions.
10 paid holidays, 8 paid hours for associates to volunteer in their community, and open time off to support work-life balance.