Manager – Vendor Relations

About the Job Opportunity

The Manager, Vendor Relations oversees and manages all aspects of the organization’s interactions with external vendors and suppliers with the objective of creating mutually beneficial relationships, both inside and outside.  Service is personal – our vendor network represents our technicians, engineers, fellow team members.  This role encompasses and requires a strategic, high touch approach with strong performance oversight of our vendor partners.

What You’ll Do

Strategy:

• Innovate and identify service solutions in both established and new markets.
• Support cost-saving initiatives and value creation opportunities through vendor partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and identify vendor solutions that meet those requirements / customer expectations.
• Ensure vendors align with the organization’s values, ethics, and sustainability goals.

Relations:

• Develop trusting, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships with vendor of all sizes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for vendor communication, performance management, and continuous improvement.

Vendor Sourcing and Selection:

• Lead the vendor selection process, including RFQs (Request for Quotes), RFPs (Request for Proposals), and evaluation of vendor bids, building out a readily available, industry leading vendor network.
• Collaborate with sales and operations to create optimal vendor solutions and actively manage them through the contract lifecycle.
• Ensure a competitive and fair selection process that balances cost, quality, and capability.
• Continuously expand, adjust, and evolve our vendor network.

Service Operations:

• Support vendor onboarding and offboarding activities in alignment with standard operating procedures. 
• Collaborate with Service Operations to create and actively manage service delivery plans for each customer account.

Risk Management:

• Assess and mitigate risks related to vendor activities, including compliance, financial stability, and operational reliability.
• Maintain up-to-date records of vendor certifications, insurance, and regulatory compliance.

Performance Management:

• Maintain accurate records of vendor activities, performance metrics, and financial transactions.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on vendor performance, cost analysis, and relationship health (as requested).
• Create a system that both holds vendors accountable for performance as well as recognizes them for strong performance / collaboration.

Contract Management:

• Develop, review, and manage vendor contracts to ensure clarity, enforceability, and adherence to agreed terms.
• Oversee contract renewals and amendments in alignment with organizational goals.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience managing both customer and supplier relationships, including the development of operational strategies (OEM or ISO) preferred. 
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of contract law, compliance requirements, and vendor performance evaluation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to successfully navigate challenging and sometimes emotionally driven customer situations. 
• Ability to use a programmatic approach to define a problem, evaluate the facts, and draw valid conclusions with actionable and effective solutions. 
• Ability to see the big picture while having a clear grasp on the day to day, make improvements, and focus on the growth of the department and organization.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneNote and Outlook.
• Must have strong customer service, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize. 
• Must be adaptable to change, able to multi-task, and can function well individually or in a team environment.
• Must be creative and highly motivated. 
• Ability to work independently on projects, while being a valuable member of the overall team. 
• Must be able to lead meetings involving multiple departments and be comfortable presenting ideas/solutions/information to the management team.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Healthcare Management, or related field.
• Proven experience in vendor management, sales, procurement, or supply chain roles.

Who We Want to Meet 

• Act Like an Owner – You take the initiative and are focused on seeing commitments all the way through to completion. 

• Serve with Purpose - You are purpose driven and committed to understanding the challenges our customers face.    

• Adapt to Thrive - You are open to new ideas, embrace change, and learn from new experiences. 

• Collaborate to Win - You communicate effectively across your team to deliver on shared goals. 

• Challenge the Status Quo - You are a creative problem solver and focused on making timely decisions with the data and information available to you.