Partner Vendor Manager at Human Edge Consulting

Job Summary

• The Partner Vendor Manager is responsible for building, managing and continuously improving the agency's network of external vendors, suppliers, contractors and production partners.
• The roleholder ensures that the agency has access to reliable vendors, competitive pricing, quality materials/services and timely deliveryacross creative productions, events, activations, installations, printing, fabrication, logistics, equipment and other production requirements.
• The Partner Vendor Manager will serve as the primary link between the agency and its external production partners, ensuring vendors meet agreed quality, cost, service, compliance and delivery standards.

Key Responsibilities
Vendor Sourcing, Onboarding & Management:

• Identify and source reliable vendors across relevant production categories.
• Conduct vendor due diligence before on boarding & maintain an up-to-date approved vendor database.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities, capacity, pricing, quality and reliability.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and agreements are completed before engagement.
• Develop alternative vendors for critical production requirements to reduce dependency and operational risk.
• Build strong and professional relationships with strategic vendors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor-related matters.
• Conduct periodic vendor performance reviews.
• Maintain strong relationships while protecting the agency's commercial interests.

Procurement & Cost Management:

• Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations.
• Compare pricing, quality and delivery timelines.
• Negotiate competitive rates and favourable payment terms.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
• Maintain pricing benchmarks for frequently purchased services and materials.
• Monitor vendor-related expenditure against approved budgets.
• Ensure purchases and engagements follow approved procurement procedures.

Production Support:

• Work closely with Creative Production Managers and project teams to understand production requirements.
• Recommend suitable vendors based on project scope, quality, budget and timeline.
• Coordinate vendor mobilization for productions, events, installations and activations.
• Ensure vendors understand project specifications and deadlines.
• Monitor vendor delivery during active projects.
• Escalate potential delays or quality issues before they affect production.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree/HND in Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Marketing or a related discipline.
• 4 – 6 years' experience in vendor management, procurement, production, sourcing, supply chain or operations.
• Experience working with multiple vendors and service providers.
• Experience negotiating pricing and commercial terms.
• Experience within creative production, advertising, events, branding, media, construction, fabrication or related industries is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of the local vendor/supplier market is an advantage.

Set Skills & Competencies:

• Vendor & Supplier Management.
• Negotiation & Commercial Acumen.
• Procurement & Cost Management.
• Relationship Management.
• Production/Project Coordination.
• Quality Control.
• Problem-Solving.
• Attention to Detail.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management.