Vendor Manager

We are currently seeking a Vendor Manager to join our Global Sourcing team. In this role, you will lead complex, cross-functional sourcing projects that support vendor performance, cost management, product changes and key business initiatives. You will partner closely with Global Sourcing, Merchandising, Quality, RD&D, Supply Chain and other internal teams to drive projects from planning through execution with limited supervision. 

This position serves as a primary point of contact for assigned domestic and import vendors, including key China-based suppliers, and provides English/Mandarin communication support as needed. Responsibilities include vendor coordination, cost negotiations, quality issue resolution, product change support, pricing initiatives, backorder recovery, vendor onboarding and other strategic sourcing projects. 

The Vendor Manager also acts as a subject matter expert within the team by guiding Vendor Management level colleagues, supporting process improvements, facilitating cross-functional meetings and providing clear recommendations to leadership and business partners. The role requires strong project ownership, vendor management experience, communication skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced global sourcing environment. 

A day on the job looks like this:

• Leading complex cross-functional sourcing projects with minimal supervision, including planning, stakeholder coordination, meeting facilitation, issue tracking, and execution follow-up
• Partnering with internal teams to deliver sourcing projects on time and aligned with business priorities
• Managing domestic and import supplier networks across Merchandising, and OEM categories. 
• Serving as the primary vendor contact, handling daily communication, performance follow-up, and escalations
• Driving resolution of supplier-related issues, including quality, cost, lead times, product changes, backorders, packaging, testing, compliance, and operational escalations
• Evaluating business needs independently and resolving complex challenges such as backorders, co-op negotiations, pricing strategies, and vendor cost reviews
• Partnering strategically with Merchandising and cross-functional teams to influence sourcing and product decisions across item selection, onboarding, capability reviews, and product lifecycle changes
• Balancing competing priorities and delivering solutions while leading strategic initiatives, including ERP implementations, distribution projects, vendor updates, bids, reporting, and process improvements
• Acting as a subject matter expert by supporting team members, sharing best practices, guiding complex supplier matters, and improving tools and processes