Job Description/Specification:
We are seeking an experienced Vendor Relationship Management Specialist to manage supplier relationships, vendor onboarding, performance monitoring, compliance, and continuous improvement. The role will support procurement excellence by strengthening supplier governance, mitigating vendor risks, and ensuring suppliers consistently meet organizational requirements.
About This Role
The successful candidate will oversee the full vendor lifecycle, from registration and qualification through onboarding, performance management, risk assessment, and ongoing relationship development. The position requires strong stakeholder management, analytical, negotiation, and procurement skills, along with experience managing vendor data and ERP systems.
Key Responsibilities
Vendor Registration & Onboarding
- Manage end-to-end vendor registration, qualification, verification, and onboarding.
- Review vendor documentation and ensure compliance with organizational requirements.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to complete approvals and onboarding activities.
- Maintain proper governance and compliance throughout the vendor lifecycle.
Vendor Sourcing & Market Intelligence
- Research markets to identify and evaluate potential suppliers.
- Source and prequalify vendors based on business and operational requirements.
- Assess supplier capabilities, market trends, and industry opportunities.
- Support supplier segmentation and vendor categorization initiatives.
Vendor Performance Management
- Develop and maintain vendor KPIs, SLAs, scorecards, and performance reviews.
- Monitor supplier performance and identify service or compliance gaps.
- Coordinate corrective action plans and supplier improvement initiatives.
- Drive continuous improvement across the vendor base.
Vendor Database & ERP Management
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor records and databases.
- Ensure supplier information, classification, and documentation meet governance standards.
- Manage vendor data and onboarding status through ERP and document management systems.
- Prepare reports and dashboards for management review.
Relationship & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary contact for vendor-related matters.
- Develop productive relationships with suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
- Coordinate effectively between vendors and internal departments.
- Support strategic supplier relationship management initiatives.
Risk, Governance & Dispute Resolution
- Conduct vendor due diligence, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.
- Monitor supplier risks and support mitigation actions.
- Manage vendor disputes, performance concerns, and escalations.
- Support procurement audits and ensure adherence to policies and governance requirements.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 6 years of experience in procurement and contracts, with strong exposure to vendor registration and vendor management.
- Hands-on experience with vendor onboarding, supplier performance management, due diligence, and compliance.
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems, vendor databases, document management systems, and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple activities, and meet deadlines.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
Preferred Experience
- Experience within government, semi-government, regulatory, or public-sector organizations is highly preferred.
- Exposure to structured procurement governance, supplier risk management, and audit requirements is an advantage.
Key Skills
Vendor Management | Supplier Relationship Management | Procurement | Contracts | Vendor Registration | Vendor Onboarding | Supplier Performance | KPI & SLA Management | ERP | Vendor Database Management | Due Diligence | Risk Management | Negotiation | Stakeholder Management | Procurement Governance | Compliance