Vendor Relations Manager

Check out our current openings•Washington, DC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

EJF Real Estate Services is seeking a Vendor Relations Manager to lead and grow its newly established Vendor Advocate and Preferred Partner Programs. This role serves as both an internal advocate for the vendor network and an external-facing representative responsible for recruiting, onboarding, and maintaining relationships with preferred vendors across EJF’s managed portfolio. The ideal candidate brings a blend of relationship management, business development, and operational compliance expertise.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in vendor management, business development, account management, or a related field.
Familiarity with property management operations and contractor/vendor environments strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of insurance requirements and contractor compliance standards.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with property management or CRM software a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact and internal advocate for vendors participating in EJF’s Preferred Partner Program.
Actively solicit and onboard new vendor partners by presenting the program’s value proposition to prospective participants.
Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure long-term program engagement and satisfaction.
Collaborate with the operations and property management teams to identify vendor needs across the portfolio.
Monitor and enforce vendor compliance with insurance requirements, including general liability, workers’ compensation, and any other coverage mandated by EJF or applicable law.
Ensure all preferred vendors maintain current licensure and certifications as required by local jurisdiction regulations.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date compliance records for all vendors in the program.
Communicate proactively with vendors regarding upcoming renewals, lapses, or compliance deficiencies.
Coordinate the quarterly reconciliation process, working with vendor partners and the EJF accounting team to reconcile program activity.
Track vendor spend data and program participation metrics to measure program success.
Identify discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.
Establish and track program KPIs, measuring vendor participation rates and program performance, and reporting ROI to senior leadership on a regular basis.
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the Preferred Vendor Directory, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with portfolio needs.
Lead the annual program review process, including evaluation of program tiers, rate structures, and vendor participation terms, and conduct negotiations with vendor partners as appropriate.
Serve as the primary escalation point for disputes or service issues between preferred vendors and property managers, facilitating timely and professional resolution.
Coordinate with property managers across the portfolio to gather vendor feedback, assess service quality, and identify gaps or emerging needs in the preferred vendor network.
Liaise with legal counsel and/or risk management to ensure vendor contract terms, indemnification requirements, and liability provisions are current and appropriately protective of EJF and its managed communities.