Senior Manager, Vendor Management

Sparkfund•Minneapolis, MN

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

Help Build the Vendor Network That Powers Project Delivery At Sparkfund, we're transforming how energy infrastructure projects are delivered. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Senior Manager of Vendor Management to lead the relationships, processes, and strategy that ensure our vendor ecosystem can scale alongside the business. This is more than a procurement role. You'll oversee a portfolio of vendor relationships that directly support project execution across the country, helping Sparkfund deliver high-quality outcomes while balancing performance, cost, and risk. You'll lead a team, influence cross-functional decision-making, and play a key role in building the systems and partnerships that enable long-term growth. If you enjoy developing teams, solving operational challenges, negotiating strategic partnerships, and creating scalable processes, we'd love to meet you.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, or related functions.
Experience managing vendor portfolios in project-based, construction, infrastructure, or operational environments.
Strong negotiation, commercial, and relationship management skills.
Experience leading vendor performance programs and governance processes.
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and team development.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed business decisions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in energy, utilities, infrastructure, distributed energy resources (DER), or related industries.
Experience managing EPC firms, subcontractors, or field service vendors.
Familiarity with vendor management platforms, procurement systems, and performance tracking tools.
Experience scaling vendor operations within a growing organization.

Responsibilities

Lead Vendor Strategy & Performance: Manage a portfolio of vendor relationships supporting Sparkfund's project delivery operations. Execute vendor selection, qualification, and performance management processes. Lead vendor scorecards, business reviews, and performance improvement initiatives. Support commercial negotiations and vendor relationship management activities. Maintain and optimize Sparkfund's approved vendor network.
Drive Supply Chain Reliability: Monitor vendor performance, capacity, geographic coverage, and operational readiness. Identify and mitigate supply chain risks that could impact project delivery. Develop contingency plans for critical vendor dependencies. Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor capabilities align with project needs.
Lead and Develop a Team: Manage and coach a team of Vendor Management professionals. Establish priorities, performance expectations, and development plans. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support workforce planning and team capability development as the function grows.
Partner Across the Business: Collaborate with Engineering, Delivery, Contract Management, and Finance teams. Align vendor activities with project and program objectives. Support operational planning and execution through effective vendor engagement. Serve as a trusted advisor on vendor performance, risk, and commercial considerations.