Vendor Management Lead

The Vendor Management Lead oversees the full lifecycle management of third-party technology and service partners that support the organization's product and business initiatives. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong vendor relationships, ensuring effective contract and performance management, driving cost efficiency, and aligning vendor partnerships with the company's strategic objectives and operational goals.

This position serves as the primary liaison between the company and external technology vendors, distributors, principals, and service providers. The Vendor Management Lead collaborates closely with Product, Sales, Procurement, Finance, Marketing, and Operations teams to maximize vendor performance, support revenue growth initiatives, and optimize vendor incentive programs and commercial opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Vendor Sourcing & Selection

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard third-party technology and service providers aligned with business and product requirements.
• Conduct vendor assessments, due diligence, and capability evaluations.
• Define vendor selection criteria in collaboration with Product, Procurement, and technical stakeholders.
• Review vendor proposals, pricing structures, service models, and contractual terms.

Contract & Vendor Performance Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of vendor agreements, renewals, amendments, and service contracts.
• Monitor vendor service delivery and ensure compliance with agreed service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and contractual obligations.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and business evaluations.
• Identify operational risks, service gaps, and escalation points related to vendor performance.
• Track vendor-related costs, savings opportunities, and commercial efficiencies.
• Maintain accurate documentation and centralized records of vendor contracts, contacts, performance metrics, and communications.
• Ensure compliance with procurement standards and internal governance requirements during onboarding.

Partner Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned vendors, principals, distributors, and external partners.
• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with vendor representatives and stakeholders.
• Facilitate regular business reviews, planning discussions, and operational alignment meetings.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between vendors and internal departments.
• Ensure vendor engagement aligns with company objectives, product roadmap priorities, and go-to-market strategies.

Business Development & Sales Support

• Collaborate with Product Managers and Sales teams in developing joint business plans and growth initiatives with vendors.
• Support sales activities requiring vendor coordination, technical alignment, pricing discussions, or product support.
• Monitor vendor-related sales performance, pipeline opportunities, and deal registrations.
• Assist in driving revenue growth through strategic partner collaboration and enablement initiatives.
• Coordinate vendor participation in customer presentations, demos, and solution discussions.

Program, Rebate & Incentive Management

• Oversee participation in vendor rebate, incentive, and marketing development fund (MDF) programs.
• Ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and submission of rebate claims and program documentation.
• Maximize utilization of available vendor incentives, co-marketing opportunities, and commercial benefits.
• Monitor vendor program compliance requirements and deadlines.

Marketing & Partner Enablement

• Partner with Marketing teams to execute co-branded campaigns, events, webinars, and lead generation activities.
• Coordinate vendor-led training sessions, product certifications, and enablement programs for internal teams.
• Ensure Sales and Product teams have updated access to vendor collateral, sales tools, technical documentation, and product updates.
• Support internal awareness and knowledge-sharing initiatives related to vendor solutions and programs.

Strategic Vendor Alignment

• Develop annual vendor business plans with defined sales targets, growth strategies, and partnership initiatives.
• Align vendor roadmaps and product offerings with the organization's strategic direction and business priorities.
• Participate in quarterly business reviews (QBRs), forecasting activities, and strategic planning sessions with vendors and principals.
• Continuously assess opportunities to improve vendor ecosystem performance and long-term partnership value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Information Technology, Supply Chain, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in vendor management, partner management, procurement, account management, business development, or related roles.
• Experience handling technology vendors, distributors, principals, or enterprise solution providers is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of contract management, vendor performance evaluation, and commercial negotiations.
• Exposure to sales support, channel management, or strategic partnership management is an advantage.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.