Vendor Relationship Manager

Position Overview: The Vendor Relationship Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing relationships with key vendors and suppliers. This role ensures that the company’s procurement processes are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. The Vendor Relationship Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs, negotiate contracts, monitor vendor performance, and foster long-term partnerships that deliver value.

Key Responsibilities:

Vendor Management and Contracts: 50%

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives and requirements.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and service levels with vendors to secure favorable agreements that support the company’s goals.
• Regularly assess vendor performance against agreed-upon metrics, addressing any issues promptly to maintain service levels.

Cost and Risk Management: 35%

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements in the procurement of goods and services.
• Assess and mitigate risks associated with vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and company policies.
• Prepare and present regular reports on vendor performance, contract status, and cost savings to senior management.

Continuous Improvement: 15%

• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in vendor management, applying this knowledge to enhance the company’s vendor strategy.
• Work closely with internal departments, including finance, operations, and legal, to ensure vendor-related activities are aligned with broader business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain roles, preferably in a similar industry.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess vendor performance data.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Competencies:

• Relationship Building: Ability to foster and maintain strong working relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align vendor strategies with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple vendors and projects in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Integrity: High ethical standards and the ability to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.

Working Conditions:

Sitting: Estimated 50% of work time is spent seated at a desk or in meetings, performing administrative tasks such as data entry, report writing, and planning.

Standing/Walking: Approximately 25% of work time involves standing or walking around the workplace, which may include inspections, supervising team activities, and engaging with stakeholders.

Lifting Requirements: The position requires lifting objects weighing up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis (5% of the time). This includes tasks such as loading and unloading supplies or moving boxes of products.

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Engaging in activities that require climbing, stooping, or kneeling approximately 10% of the time, particularly for roles involving physical inspections or technical tasks.

Travel Requirements: This role requires 60% travel time, which involves traveling to different sites, attending conferences, or engaging with clients and other external parties.

Work Environment: Office environment, occasional manufacturing environment when visiting suppliers. The noise level in the work environment can be categorized as “Low” with some instances at “medium” when visiting supplier sites.

Technology Use: Use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Proficiency in communication softwares, supply chain management tools, and some printing machines is required.