Operations

Director of Vendor Relations

Looking to hire your next Director of Vendor Relations? Here’s a full job description template to use as a guide.

About Vintti

At Vintti, we're redefining the economics of staffing for US businesses. Our agency connects SMBs, startups, and firms with top Latin American talent, offering a dual benefit of high-quality work and cost savings. By tapping into this rich talent pool, our clients can optimize their budgets, increase productivity, and gain a competitive advantage in their respective markets.

Description

The Director of Vendor Relations is a key leadership role focused on establishing, maintaining, and optimizing relationships with external vendors and suppliers. This position involves strategic negotiation, contract management, and performance evaluation to ensure vendors meet the organization’s quality, cost, and delivery standards. The Director works cross-functionally with procurement, finance, and operations teams to align vendor partnerships with overall business goals. By leveraging market insights and fostering strong partnerships, the Director of Vendor Relations aims to enhance supply chain efficiency and drive long-term organizational success.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
- Minimum 7-10 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain management
- Proven track record of managing and optimizing vendor relationships
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Proficient in vendor management software and tools
- In-depth understanding of market trends and competitive landscape in relevant industries
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities
- Experience in developing and implementing vendor management strategies
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements
- Ability to analyze financial and performance data
- Project management skills and ability to drive process improvements
- Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and priorities

Responsabilities

- Develop and maintain long-term, strategic relationships with key vendors
- Identify, source, and onboard new vendors that meet the company’s quality and cost requirements
- Negotiate and finalize vendor contracts to secure advantageous terms and conditions
- Monitor and analyze vendor performance metrics to ensure adherence to service level agreements (SLAs) and KPIs
- Facilitate regular communication, meetings, and performance reviews with vendors to discuss ongoing projects, performance, and prospective opportunities
- Address and resolve vendor-related issues and disputes in a timely and professional manner
- Collaborate with internal departments to gather and understand their specific vendor requirements and preferences
- Ensure vendor operations comply with all regulatory standards and company policies
- Conduct regular audits and reviews of vendors to ensure compliance with contractual terms and operational standards
- Develop and implement vendor management strategies to optimize cost-efficiency and service quality
- Analyze market data and trends to keep the company’s vendor strategies competitive and contemporary
- Generate and present vendor performance reports and relationship analyses to senior management
- Initiate and drive projects aimed at improving vendor management processes and strategies
- Stay informed on industry trends, including new vendor management tools and technologies
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff members on best practices in vendor management

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Director of Vendor Relations position will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain management. They will have a proven track record of optimizing and nurturing strategic vendor relationships, showcasing exceptional negotiation skills that secure advantageous contract terms and outcomes. This candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capability to interpret complex financial and performance data to drive informed decisions. Proficiency in vendor management software and a deep understanding of market trends and competitive landscapes are essential. The ideal candidate will exhibit outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, effectively managing and resolving conflicts while fostering a collaborative environment with internal departments and vendors. They will be a strategic thinker with long-term vision, complemented by remarkable leadership qualities to guide and mentor their team. Ethical integrity, adaptability to changing market conditions, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to compliance with regulatory standards will set this individual apart. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, resilient under pressure, innovative in driving improvements, and resourceful in identifying new vendor opportunities.

On a typical day, you will...

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing vendors
- Identify and evaluate potential new vendors
- Negotiate contracts and terms with vendors to ensure favorable outcomes for the company
- Monitor vendor performance against agreed service levels and KPIs
- Coordinate regular meetings and communications with vendors to discuss performance, expectations, and any upcoming changes
- Resolve any issues or disputes with vendors in a timely and professional manner
- Collaborate with internal departments to understand their vendor needs and align vendor strategies accordingly
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company policies in vendor interactions
- Conduct periodic reviews and audits of vendors to ensure compliance and performance standards
- Develop strategic vendor management plans to enhance service quality and cost-effectiveness
- Analyze market trends and conditions to ensure the company’s vendor management processes are current and competitive
- Report on vendor performance and relationship status to senior management
- Lead initiatives to improve vendor management processes and strategies
- Stay updated with industry developments and emerging vendor-related trends and technologies
- Guide and mentor junior staff on vendor management practices and principles

What we are looking for

- Strategic thinker with a long-term vision for vendor relationships
- Strong leadership qualities to guide and mentor a team effectively
- Exceptional negotiation skills to secure the best terms and outcomes
- High integrity and adherence to ethical practices
- Proactive problem solver with a focus on timely resolution
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Detail-oriented with a thorough approach to contract and performance reviews
- Strong analytical capabilities to interpret complex data and trends
- Collaborative mindset to work seamlessly with internal departments and vendors
- Adaptable and flexible to changing market conditions and business priorities
- Resilient and composed under pressure or when facing disputes
- Innovative thinker with the ability to drive process improvements
- Committed to maintaining compliance with regulatory and company standards
- Resourceful and skilled in identifying new vendor opportunities
- Tech-savvy with proficiency in using vendor management software

What you can expect (benefits)

- Competitive salary range (e.g., $110,000 to $150,000 annually)
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
- Flexible work hours and remote work options
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement for further education
- Performance-based bonuses and incentives
- Employee wellness programs
- Company-sponsored social and networking events
- Life and disability insurance
- Transportation and commuter benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being
- Career advancement opportunities within the organization
- Discounts on company products and services
- Access to industry conferences and workshops
- Supportive work environment with modern office amenities
- Paid parental leave and family support programs
- Health and fitness club memberships

Vintti logo

Do you want to find amazing talent?

See how we can help you find a perfect match in only 20 days.

Director of Vendor Relations FAQs

Here are some common questions about our staffing services for startups across various industries.

More Job Descriptions

Browse all roles

Start Hiring Remote

Find the talent you need to grow your business

You can secure high-quality South American talent in just 20 days and for around $9,000 USD per year.

Start Hiring For Free