Vendor Relations Manager - Security Equipment

The Staff Pad•St. Louis, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vendor Relations Manager develops and manages strategic vendor partnerships to support company objectives, cost competitiveness, and supply continuity. This role ensures the acquisition of high-quality products and services at the best value while supporting operational needs and maintaining strong vendor relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
5–7 years experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management
Experience in distribution, manufacturing, or retail environments with large vendor networks
Strong negotiation and relationship management abilities
Proficiency with ERP systems and reporting tools such as Power BI
Strong analytical, decision-making, and supply chain optimization skills
Detail-oriented, results-driven, Collaborative and team-focused
Strategic thinker with a proactive problem-solving approach

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
CPSM, CPP, or equivalent certification preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for vendor relationships and communications
Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage vendors aligned with company requirements
Conduct due diligence on financial stability, operational capability, compliance, and supply risks
Ensure vendors meet standards for quality, reliability, and system integration
Maintain structured vendor approval processes, documentation, and controls
Identify underperforming or redundant vendors and recommend consolidation actions
Support negotiations of vendor pricing, terms, service levels, and agreements
Manage contract renewals, amendments, and performance tracking
Ensure vendor compliance with contractual, legal, and financial requirements
Partner with leadership on cost, risk, and commercial strategy decisions
Drive cost-saving initiatives, including pricing improvements, rebates, and contract optimization
Analyze vendor spend and identify savings opportunities
Support negotiations related to cost increases and mitigation strategies
Align vendor programs with company margin objectives
Analyze vendor performance, spend, and service metrics
Establish KPIs and provide regular reporting on vendor health, risks, and improvement initiatives
Maintain accurate documentation, reporting, and audit readiness
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and disruptions (including market fluctuations)
Resolve vendor quality issues through corrective actions and continuous improvement
Develop contingency plans to ensure supply continuity
Support vendor promotions and ensure alignment with sales and marketing strategies
Manage vendor rebate programs, including tracking, reporting, and collection
Participate as a key member of the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) team to align supply chain activities with business goals