Vendor Relations Manager

About the role

The Vendor Relations Manager leads risk mitigation and claims management efforts for managed properties, with a mission to enhance safety, reduce losses, and streamline insurance claims and periods of restoration for condominium and commercial clients. In this highly visible role, you will design and execute a comprehensive risk management program in collaboration with First Onsite to reduce the frequency and severity of property losses. Success means safer communities, faster recovery from incidents, and improved insurance outcomes—ultimately delivering peace of mind to boards and residents.

You will serve as the trusted risk reduction advisor to property management teams and clients, providing expert guidance on loss prevention best practices, coordinating training sessions, pre-loss risk assessments, and advocating for clients during the claims process. You will act as a key point of connection between First Onsite and the communities served, fostering strong, collaborative partnerships that support effective communication and seamless service delivery during property loss events. Over time, your efforts will help lower insurance costs and drive higher satisfaction by minimizing disruptions.

This role requires a proactive leader with knowledge of property management and outstanding people skills to influence and educate stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Program Development and Execution: Develop and implement a structured risk management program for managed communities; identify key risk areas and devise mitigation strategies and processes.
• Partnership Management: Serve as the primary liaison between the organization, clients, and First Onsite for property restoration and repair; cultivate trust and aligned goals including response times, resource access, cost estimates, communication, and invoicing.
• Prevention and Preparedness: Manage educational campaigns and social events; initiate pre-loss risk assessments; conduct inspections with First Onsite to identify vulnerabilities and recommend best practices; champion proactive measures like emergency response plans and resident education campaigns.
• Stakeholder Communication and Education: Communicate regularly with boards, residents, and property management teams about the risk management program; translate technical insurance and risk concepts into clear messages; facilitate educational sessions (lunch and learns, workshops, virtual meetings).
• Relationship Building: Establish strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders; work closely with VPs, Regional Directors, Community Managers, and local operations teams; network with industry groups, insurance professionals, and risk management organizations.
• Claims Advocacy and Management: Advocate for clients during the insurance claims process to achieve fair and timely outcomes; liaise between boards, insurance adjusters, brokers, and First Onsite project managers to ensure responsive communication and quick resolution; monitor claim status and intervene to minimize cycle time and ensure quality restoration.
• Data Analysis & Monitoring: Deliver quarterly reports to leadership highlighting job/claim statistics, case studies, and return-on-investment of risk initiatives; conduct quarterly program reviews with executive leadership and First Onsite to evaluate results and set goals; adjust strategies based on feedback.
• Continuous Improvement & Special Projects: Stay updated on industry best practices; refine program materials and procedures; drive special projects such as piloting new technologies, developing claims FAQs, or coordinating an annual risk summit.

Skills & Qualifications

• Leadership & Collaboration: Self-motivated leader able to drive initiatives with minimal oversight and work collaboratively in a matrix organization; proven ability to lead cross-functional efforts and influence without direct authority; strong relationship-building skills.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to tailor messages to different audiences; comfortable speaking persuasively in large groups and one-on-one.
• Risk & Insurance Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of property & casualty insurance, claims processes, and risk mitigation techniques; experience with insurance claim handling or risk consulting is a plus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience.
• 5+ years of experience in condominium, HOA, or commercial property management.
• Exposure to restoration services is an asset.

Physical Requirements & Working Environment

• Works under usual office conditions; required to use a personal computer and be on the phone for extended periods.
• Must be able to stand, sit, walk, and occasionally climb; able to lift up to 30 lbs.
• May work extended and flexible hours and weekends as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel & Flexibility

• Willingness to travel locally/regionally to attend property walk-throughs, incident sites, and client meetings (approximately 30–40% of time).
• A valid driver’s license is required.