Vendor Partnerships Manager Job Description Template: Role, Duties and Requirements

The Vendor Partnerships Manager Job Description defines a role for candidates experienced in managing supplier relationships, contract negotiations and vendor performance. This description is suitable for recruiters, hiring managers and candidates seeking a clear, recruitment-ready outline of responsibilities and required qualifications for a vendor partnerships role.

Vendor Partnerships Manager Job Profile

The Vendor Partnerships Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with external suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of goods and services that meet quality, cost and compliance requirements. The role requires a balance of commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement and contract management to protect organisational interests and optimise supplier performance.

This position suits candidates with experience in supplier management, procurement or vendor operations who can lead negotiations, monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvement across the vendor lifecycle.

Vendor Partnerships Manager Job Description

The Vendor Partnerships Manager oversees the selection, onboarding and ongoing management of vendors to support operational objectives. The role involves defining contractual terms, establishing service level expectations, and implementing governance frameworks to monitor vendor compliance and performance. The manager acts as the primary point of contact for supplier escalations and coordinates cross-functional responses to service issues.

Expectations include proactive identification of opportunities to reduce risk and cost, regular reporting on vendor performance and contribution to procurement strategy. The role requires collaboration with internal stakeholders such as legal, finance, operations and project teams to align vendor activities with organisational priorities and regulatory requirements.

Vendor Partnerships Manager: Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vendor strategy aligned to organisational objectives and procurement policies
• Identify, evaluate and select suppliers through structured tendering and due diligence processes
• Negotiate commercial terms, service level agreements and performance metrics with vendors
• Manage end to end vendor onboarding, including contractual documentation and acceptance criteria
• Establish governance and monitoring processes to track vendor performance and compliance
• Conduct regular vendor reviews and scorecards to identify improvement opportunities
• Coordinate issue resolution and escalation for service failures or contractual disputes
• Collaborate with legal and finance to ensure contracts reflect risk allocation and payment terms
• Drive cost optimisation initiatives and identify opportunities for consolidation or renegotiation
• Maintain an accurate vendor register and documentation for audit and regulatory purposes
• Provide regular reporting and insights to senior stakeholders on vendor risk and performance
• Support cross-functional projects requiring vendor integration or change management
• Develop contingency and continuity plans to mitigate vendor-related risks
• Promote supplier diversity, ethical sourcing and compliance with relevant policies and standards

Vendor Partnerships Manager: Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, procurement or a related discipline or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in vendor management, procurement or supplier relationship roles
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with attention to legal and commercial detail
• Ability to develop and manage performance metrics and vendor scorecards
• Experience conducting supplier due diligence and managing compliance risks
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills at all organisational levels
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and produce actionable insights
• Experience in cost management, budget oversight and identifying efficiency gains
• Problem solving and escalation management skills in high pressure situations
• Ability to manage multiple vendors and projects concurrently with strong prioritisation
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory and industry standards affecting vendor arrangements
• Professionalism, integrity and an outcomes-focused approach to supplier partnerships