Strategic Vendor Performance Manager

The Strategic Vendor Performance Manager is the single accountable owner of the Preferred Partner vendor network, responsible for end-to-end performance including service delivery, vendor economics, team leadership, and scalability.

This role leads and optimizes a national network of 50+ transportation vendor partners, ranging from small local operators to large, multi-market service providers. The Preferred Partner network represents the largest and most complex operational segment within LES, encompassing vendor management, service execution, financial performance, and system workflows.

The Manager is accountable for financial outcomes, including cost management, margin optimization, KPI development, and executive-level reporting.

Additionally, the Manager plays a critical leadership role in scaling the network to support growth, developing vendor strategies, and partnering cross-functionally to align operations with broader company objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Network Ownership & Strategy

• Own the performance of the Preferred Partner network, including service delivery, vendor quality, and operational efficiency
• Develop and execute vendor network strategy, including sourcing, segmentation, and coverage optimization
• Identify and pursue opportunities to improve cost structure, service levels, and scalability
• Support company growth initiatives by ensuring the network can scale effectively to meet increasing demand

Financial Leadership & Accountability

• Own the financial delivery of the Preferred Partner network against annual operating plan, including cost control, revenue realization, and margin contribution
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of billing, accounts payable, and month-end close processes
• Drive KPI development and reporting to monitor operational and financial performance
• Partner with Finance and Pricing teams to influence vendor pricing strategies, contract structures, and margin optimization initiatives
• Maintain audit readiness and ensure compliance with internal financial controls

Vendor Strategy & Management

• Lead vendor sourcing, onboarding, and performance management across all partner tiers
• Establish vendor segmentation strategy, including strategic and transactional partners
• Own vendor contract negotiations and commercial frameworks aligned to service delivery and margin objectives
• Ensure vendor compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and safety practices
• Proactively manage vendor performance with a review cadence that includes defined KPIs, scorecards, and accountability mechanisms

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, develop, and scale a team of Vendor Operations Coordinators with end-to-end vendor management responsibilities
• Oversee hiring, training, performance management, and career development of team members
• Establish clear performance expectations, KPIs, and accountability structures
• Foster a high-performance, solution-oriented team culture aligned with company objectives
• Ensure team capacity and structure scale with business growth and operational complexity

Operations & Service Delivery

• Ensure reliable and consistent service execution across all customer locations
• Oversee onboarding and rollout of new customer territories, ensuring vendor readiness and operational success
• Implement and maintain scalable processes for service delivery, scheduling, and issue resolution
• Ensure effective escalation management for critical service disruptions and vendor performance issues
• Drive continuous improvement in operational workflows and execution efficiency

• Define and enforce service quality standards across the vendor network, including field performance expectations and validation mechanisms
• Establish and maintain operational control processes, including data integrity standards, vendor audit practices, and process compliance mechanisms to ensure consistent execution across the network

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of accountability for the Preferred Partner function across Sales, Pricing, IT, Customer Service, Billing, and Operations
• Lead cross-functional alignment efforts with the Sales and Pricing teams to align vendor strategy with customer needs and growth opportunities
• Collaborate with IT to define and implement systems, reporting tools, and automation initiatives that enhance scalability and visibility
• Support enterprise initiatives through data-driven insights and operational expertise

Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all required reporting, including key customer programs (e.g., Walmart UCO)
• Maintain and manage pricing data, rebate structures, and program reporting requirements
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and internal policy requirements
• Deliver timely and accurate reporting to internal stakeholders and external customers

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities with a focus on team development and performance
• Advanced analytical and financial acumen, including experience managing cost structures and KPIs
• Proven ability to manage complex vendor networks and external partnerships
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Education and Experience:

• 6–10 years of experience in vendor management, operations, logistics, procurement, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
• Prior experience managing teams and leading cross-functional initiatives required

Working Environment:

• General office environment
• Hybrid work arrangement (office/remote)
• Occasional extended hours based on business needs