Director of Vendor Partnerships

About Us Supply Chimp (Mono Machines LLC dba Supply Chimp) has spent nearly two decades supporting the U.S. government with critical supplies and logistics solutions. Our mission is simple and focused: we serve those who serve us by providing customer-driven supply solutions that get the right products to the right place at the right time. At Supply Chimp, how we work matters just as much as what we deliver. Our values, accountability, action, integrity, and teamwork, shape how we show up for our customers, support one another, and deliver with purpose, trust, and follow-through. Our Values Teamwork: We treat people with respect and work as one team to serve our customers Accountability We own it and follow through Action We act with urgency & purpose          Integrity We do the right thing. Always.         About the Role We are looking for a results-oriented, strategic Director of Vendor Partnerships to join our growing team. In this critical leadership role, you will own the growth, performance, and profitability of our vendor ecosystem while leading both the Vendor Partnerships and Vendor Operations teams, ensuring strong relationships, operational excellence, and continuous value creation for the business. You will serve as the primary liaison for key vendors, drive strategic sourcing and negotiations, and ensure our product catalog remains competitive through accurate data, optimal costing, and strong availability. If you thrive on building high-performing vendor relationships, hitting aggressive KPIs, and creating strong partnerships that drive mutual success, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a direct impact on Supply Chimp’s growth. What Success Looks Like  Consistently meet or exceed vendor-related KPIs, including revenue, margin, and service level targets Deliver measurable year-over-year profitable gains through cost optimization, rebate programs, inventory and data exchange enhancement, as well as catalog expansion. Expand product revenue through the successful onboarding of new vendors and broader catalog coverage. Maintain strong contract compliance and performance Key Responsibilities Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with strategic vendor partners from onboarding through long-term collaboration Lead, mentor, and develop the Vendor Partnerships and Vendor Operations teams to ensure strategic alignment and achievement of team and individual KPIs Oversee tactical and strategic sourcing initiatives supporting Business Development, Contracting, and Program Management Optimize sourcing strategies for both one-off purchases and repeat catalog buys Design and implement vendor communication strategies, scorecards, and corrective action processes that promote collaboration and drive results Analyze vendor performance data and implement continuous improvement initiatives to address gaps and elevate standards Act as the primary escalation point for vendor issues and lead critical vendor communications and initiatives Monitor and manage demand forecasting processes, providing timely insights to vendors to support inventory planning and availability Collaborate cross-functionally to anticipate needs, resolve challenges, and align vendor capabilities with business priorities Proactively identify and onboard new vendors through market research, data analysis, trade shows, and industry networks Negotiate and secure profitable outcomes, including cost reductions, rebates, inventory terms, and catalog improvements Support Business Development proposals through product and supply chain expertise, Letters of Supply, market basket quoting, and proposal review participation Drive product lifecycle management strategy by ensuring scalable processes, system integrity, and alignment with business objectives Define and drive vendor rebate program strategies aligned with revenue targets and vendor growth objectives Role Reality This role operates in a fast-paced and high-accountability environment. This is not a maintenance-focused role. The environment requires adaptability, ownership, and a willingness to step into problems directly. You will regularly manage shifting priorities, tight proposal timelines, supplier coordination challenges, and ambiguity across government opportunities. Success in this role requires balancing speed, accuracy, communication, and decision-making under pressure. You May Be a Strong Fit If You have experience navigating complex vendor management, sourcing, and negotiation decisions You are comfortable operating in fast-moving and evolving environments You can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution You communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams You take ownership without needing constant direction You remain composed and solution-oriented during high-pressure situations This Role May Not Be the Best Fit If You prefer highly structured environments with minimal ambiguity You prefer narrowly defined responsibilities with limited cross-functional involvement You are uncomfortable making decisions under pressure or with incomplete information You struggle with shifting priorities or fast execution timelines You prefer to avoid difficult conversations, operational friction, or accountability-driven environments What We're Looking For 5+ years of experience in supply chain negotiation and rapport-building with proven examples 5+ years of experience managing Vendor/Category teams Ability to travel as needed to trade shows or in-person Vendor meetings (up to 10-20% job travel) Previous Inventory/Warehouse management is a plus Exceptional high-level problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly analyze complex situations, identify root causes, develop creative solutions, and drive effective outcomes Advanced communication skills (written, oral, and in-person) What We Offer $125,000-$140,000 Total Annual Compensation (including bonus) 401 (k) with matching contributions (eligible after 90 days) Company-Sponsored Healthcare Insurance 20 Days of Paid Vacation per year 8 Paid Holidays 10 Days of Paid Sick and Personal Wellness Time Why Join Supply Chimp At Supply Chimp, your work directly impacts the growth of the company and the experience of our customers and team members. We are building a collaborative, high-accountability culture where ideas are valued, ownership is encouraged, and people have the opportunity to grow alongside the business.