Vendor Manager (Construction) at The People Practice

Our client is looking to hire a Vendor Manager who will be responsible for managing relationships with their vendors and suppliers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality materials and services in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proactive approach to vendor management.

Responsibilities:

Managing Supplier Relationships

• Establish and maintain consistent communication with manufacturers and distributors of construction materials to comprehend and address their challenges.
• Keep suppliers informed about Request for Quotations (RFQs), and facilitate their participation in the bidding process. 
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials to our clients.

Supplier Onboarding

• Continuously onboard new suppliers across diverse product categories. 
• Evaluate, negotiate, and establish agreements with new suppliers while educating them about our platform, its features, and policies.

Order Fulfillment

• Oversee daily order fulfilment activities, including order processing, loading, and delivery. 
• Strive for efficient, accurate, and cost-effective order fulfilment for all RFQs.

Database Maintenance

• Keep an accurate database of all suppliers and leads up-to-date. 
• Implement a supplier rating system to assess supplier performance effectively.

Integration of Logistics and Technology

• Collaborate with third-party logistics partners and leverage order management software to optimize warehouse and fulfillment operations. 

Enhancing Supplier Performance

• Cultivate enduring relationships with onboarded suppliers and work continuously to improve their performance and lead times. 
• Conduct supplier assessments and provide constructive feedback.
• Oversee the setup and management of vendor stores on the marketplace, and provide training and support to suppliers on utilizing the marketplace's store effectively.
• Collaborate with suppliers to optimize their store layouts, product listings, and promotional efforts to drive visibility and sales.

Supplier Selection and Evaluation

• Conduct interviews and prequalify new suppliers and communicate their responsibilities and obligations. 
• Research available suppliers to identify the best pricing and product quality.
• Implement supplier selection programs to secure top-tier suppliers.

Communication and Education

• Educate suppliers on platform functionality, new features, and updated processes and policies.
• Ensure compliance with contractual agreements and marketplace policies, addressing any violations or disputes promptly.

Monitoring Performance and Reporting

• Continually monitor sales trends to identify popular products and market dynamics.
• Monitor key performance metrics for suppliers, including sales volume, customer satisfaction, and fulfilment rates.

Product Knowledge

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all construction materials available on the marketplace.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new product releases, and advancements in construction materials to provide informed guidance to suppliers and customers.
• Act as a subject matter expert on construction materials, providing guidance and recommendations to customers on product selection, compatibility, and performance.
• Conduct regular training sessions for internal teams to enhance their understanding of construction materials and facilitate effective sales and procurement processes.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other documentation required to support order fulfilment and operational goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the marketing team to develop content and promotional campaigns highlighting key construction materials and their applications in various construction projects and to develop and implement initiatives that drive merchant engagement and marketplace growth.
• Serve as a resource for resolving product-related inquiries, issues, and disputes, ensuring customer satisfaction and adherence to marketplace quality standards.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to review and update supplier contracts as needed to reflect changing business requirements and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and marketplace dynamics is preferred.
• Proven experience in procurement, and vendor management 
• Experience or knowledge in real estate or construction is an advantage

Must have skills

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and opportunity identification.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality results.