The Purchasing Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing vendors to ensure Bay Cities has a robust and qualified supplier base for all external business needs. This role requires a strong technical manufacturing background to assess vendor capabilities, negotiate contracts, and establish supplier standards. The Vendor Relationship Manager will work cross-functionally with internal teams to align vendor services with business objectives, ensuring optimal quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. Strong communication, attention to detail, and follow-through are critical for success in this role.
Key Responsibilities:
Vendor Sourcing & Development:
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors to support business operations.
- Develop and manage supplier qualification processes to ensure high-quality partnerships.
- Maintain an Approved Vendor List with up-to-date vendor information.
- Research industry trends and new supplier opportunities to enhance competitiveness.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and source the best solutions.
Supplier Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to foster trust and long-term collaboration.
- Conduct regular business reviews and performance evaluations with key vendors.
- Address vendor performance issues and drive corrective action plans when needed.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor inquiries, escalations, and issue resolution.
Contract Negotiation & Cost Optimization:
- Negotiate contracts, pricing structures, and service level agreements to maximize cost savings and performance.
- Collaborate with finance and legal teams to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
- Monitor supplier financial health, market position, and risk exposure.
- Inform management of pricing trends, cost-saving opportunities, and alternative sourcing options.
Quality & Compliance Oversight:
- Work closely with the Quality Manager to ensure vendor adherence to Bay Cities’ quality and compliance standards.
- Conduct supplier site visits, audits, and performance evaluations.
- Implement corrective actions for underperforming vendors to mitigate risks.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Process Improvement & Reporting:
- Develop and implement vendor management processes to streamline operations.
- Utilize technology to automate and improve vendor tracking and reporting.
- Create and maintain vendor scorecards and performance metrics.
- Support initiatives that drive cost savings, efficiency improvements, and enhanced service levels.
Training & Collaboration:
- Conduct training sessions for Sales, Design, and Manufacturing teams to introduce new vendors, products, and processes.
- Provide ongoing education to internal teams on vendor management best practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align vendor capabilities with business needs.