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.

 Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Strong technical manufacturing knowledge to assess supplier capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse vendors.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and vendor management software.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel as needed for supplier site visits and audits.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Vendor performance ratings and compliance with service level agreements.
• Cost savings and efficiency improvements through strategic sourcing.
• Number of new qualified vendors onboarded.
• Reduction in supplier-related risks and non-conformance issues.
• Internal stakeholder satisfaction with vendor management processes.

Why Join Bay Cities?

At Bay Cities, we value innovation, efficiency, and strategic growth. As a Vendor Relationship Manager, you will play a crucial role in strengthening our supply chain and driving operational success. If you are a proactive problem solver with a strong technical background and a passion for optimizing vendor partnerships, we invite you to apply and make a significant impact on our organization.