E-commerce Vendor Manager (Remote)

Overview

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented E-commerce Vendor Manager to oversee the procurement and vendor relationships for our growing e-commerce business. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while managing multiple suppliers and ensuring the seamless flow of products from vendors to our online marketplace.

The E-commerce Vendor Manager will be responsible for identifying, negotiating, and managing relationships with suppliers, ensuring that products meet our company’s standards of quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. This role requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, an analytical mindset, and a strong understanding of e-commerce supply chain dynamics.

Annual Salary: $104,708

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Sourcing & Onboarding:
   • Identify potential vendors who can meet the product and quality standards required by our e-commerce platform.
   • Evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate contracts, and ensure competitive pricing while maintaining product quality.
   • Oversee the onboarding process of new suppliers, ensuring they are fully integrated into our system and adhere to the company’s terms and conditions.
2. Vendor Relationship Management:
   • Establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing vendors, acting as the primary point of contact for all vendor-related communications.
   • Monitor vendor performance based on KPIs such as delivery times, order accuracy, product quality, and responsiveness.
   • Conduct regular performance reviews with key suppliers to ensure compliance with our business goals and operational standards.
   • Address and resolve any vendor-related issues, including shipping delays, order discrepancies, or contract disputes.
3. Inventory & Supply Chain Management:
   • Work closely with the inventory management team to ensure optimal stock levels for all products offered through our e-commerce platform.
   • Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely product delivery, avoiding out-of-stock situations or overstocking.
   • Monitor supply chain logistics to ensure efficient transportation and shipping processes, minimizing lead times and reducing costs.
   • Collaborate with the logistics and operations teams to streamline the flow of products from suppliers to fulfillment centers and, ultimately, to the customer.
4. Price Negotiation & Cost Management:
   • Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve the best possible cost structure while maintaining product quality.
   • Continuously seek opportunities to reduce costs without compromising product standards or vendor relationships.
   • Track and analyze market trends, pricing fluctuations, and competitor pricing strategies to make informed decisions and maintain competitiveness.
5. Product Quality Control:
   • Ensure that all products sourced from vendors meet the company’s quality standards and comply with relevant regulations.
   • Coordinate quality checks and inspections, both pre- and post-production, to maintain consistent product quality.
   • Investigate and resolve any product defects or quality issues in collaboration with vendors and the internal quality assurance team.
6. Data Analysis & Reporting:
   • Use data analytics tools to monitor and analyze vendor performance, supply chain efficiency, and product profitability.
   • Prepare regular reports on vendor KPIs, cost savings, and overall supply chain performance for senior management.
   • Identify areas for improvement in the vendor management process, supply chain efficiency, or product sourcing strategy.
7. Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams:
   • Partner with marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure a cohesive approach to product launches, promotions, and demand forecasting.
   • Work with the finance team to monitor vendor payments, address discrepancies, and ensure compliance with budgetary constraints.
   • Coordinate with the legal team to ensure that all vendor contracts are up-to-date and legally compliant.
8. Vendor Risk Management:
   • Identify potential risks within the vendor network, such as over-reliance on a single supplier or geopolitical risks affecting the supply chain.
   • Develop contingency plans to mitigate vendor-related risks, ensuring business continuity even in the event of supplier issues.
   • Monitor global market trends, regulatory changes, and industry developments that may impact the availability, cost, or quality of sourced products.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably in an e-commerce or retail setting.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing favorable contracts and pricing with vendors.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to manage relationships across multiple time zones.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in using vendor management systems (VMS), inventory management software, and e-commerce platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain processes, logistics, and inventory control.
• Experience in product sourcing and quality control, particularly in the context of international vendors.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting while managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Business Administration.
• Experience in managing vendors in multiple regions and working with cross-border supply chains.
• Familiarity with industry-specific certifications and regulatory requirements for product quality and safety.
• Advanced proficiency in data analytics tools such as Excel, Tableau, or similar platforms.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to have a direct impact on the success of our e-commerce business. As the E-commerce Vendor Manager, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping our product offerings and ensuring that our customers receive high-quality products, on time and at the right price. In addition to a competitive salary of $104,708, we offer a dynamic, supportive, and collaborative work environment where your contributions will be valued.