Vendor Relations Manager

About the role

We're looking for a strategic, relationship-driven professional to lead our vendor management program. In this role, you will build and maintain strong vendor partnerships, develop sourcing strategies, and ensure our suppliers consistently meet expectations for quality, cost, and delivery. You'll also collaborate cross-functionally as a key member of our S&OP team to align vendor capabilities with business goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all vendor relationships.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard vendors aligned with company strategy and service expectations.
• Conduct due diligence on financial stability, operational capability, compliance, and supply continuity.
• Maintain a structured vendor approval and onboarding process.
• Identify underperforming or redundant suppliers and recommend consolidation.
• Support negotiation of pricing, terms, service levels, and agreements.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle, including renewals and amendments.
• Ensure vendor compliance with contractual, legal, and financial requirements.
• Partner with leadership on cost changes, risk exposure, and commercial strategy.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives such as price improvements, rebates, and contract optimization.
• Analyze vendors to identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Support negotiations related to cost increases and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure vendor programs support margin objectives.
• Analyze vendor performance, spend, and service metrics.
• Define and track KPIs for vendor health, risk, and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure documentation accuracy and audit readiness.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and disruptions.
• Address and resolve vendor quality issues with corrective actions.
• Develop contingency plans to ensure supply continuity.
• Support vendor promotions aligned with sales and marketing strategies.
• Manage rebate programs, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and collection.
• Participate as a key member of the Sales & Operations Planning team.
• Align supply chain plans with broader business goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–7 years in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management.
• Background in distribution, manufacturing, or retail environments with large vendor portfolios.
• CPSM, CPP, or similar credentials preferred.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and analytics tools (Power BI or similar).
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of sourcing best practices and supply chain optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–7 years in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management.
• Background in distribution, manufacturing, or retail environments with large vendor portfolios.
• CPSM, CPP, or similar credentials preferred.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and analytics tools (Power BI or similar).
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of sourcing best practices and supply chain optimization.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Vendor management and contract negotiation.
• Data analysis and reporting.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Financial management and cost optimization.
• Supply chain risk management.
• Customer service and relationship building.

Benefits

• Profit sharing & retirement: SEP IRA contributions and annual profit-sharing bonuses.
• Health benefits: affordable medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Career growth: ongoing development, advancement opportunities, and a promote-from-within culture.
• Work Environment and Physical Demands: Professional office environment; routine use of standard office equipment and software.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The position offers a hybrid work model, combining remote and in-office work.