Job Title: Vice President (VP) - Vendor Relations (VP Sales)
Location: [Insert Location or Remote]
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer / Chief Executive Officer
Date Posted: March 06, 2025
Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Vice President of Vendor Relations (VP Sales) to lead our Vendor Relations team, the growth engine of our organization. This strategic leadership role will oversee the onboarding of vendors who supply products for sale on eCommerce marketplaces, driving revenue growth and expanding our vendor network. The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of experience in vendor relations, sales, or partnership management, with a proven track record of building high-performing teams and forging strong vendor partnerships. The VP - Vendor Relations will be responsible for setting the vision, developing strategies, and executing plans to ensure seamless vendor onboarding, optimal vendor performance, and long-term business success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the Vendor Relations strategy to align with organizational goals, focusing on scaling vendor onboarding and maximizing eCommerce marketplace revenue.
- Team Management: Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing Vendor Relations team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
- Vendor Onboarding: Oversee the end-to-end process of identifying, recruiting, and onboarding new vendors to expand the product catalog across eCommerce platforms.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key vendors, ensuring long-term partnerships that drive mutual success.
- Contract Negotiation: Lead high-stakes negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms, pricing, and agreements that enhance profitability and scalability.
- Performance Oversight: Monitor vendor performance metrics (e.g., product quality, delivery timelines, sales KPIs) and implement corrective actions to ensure compliance and optimize outcomes.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Operations, and Product teams to align vendor offerings with marketplace demand and customer expectations.
- Cost Optimization & Growth: Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and revenue growth through innovative vendor management practices.
- Industry Expertise: Stay ahead of eCommerce trends, marketplace dynamics, and vendor management best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
- Reporting & Insights: Provide regular updates to executive leadership on vendor network performance, growth metrics, and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
- 10+ years of experience in vendor relations, sales, procurement, or partnership management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven success in scaling vendor networks or sales channels, ideally within eCommerce or marketplace-driven businesses.
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills with a track record of closing high-value deals.
- Strong analytical skills with experience leveraging data to drive decisions and optimize performance.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while managing competing priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce), and data analysis platforms.
- Deep understanding of eCommerce marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, eBay, Shopify) and vendor management best practices.
Technical Skills:
- Expertise in strategic vendor sourcing, procurement processes, and contract management.
- Proficiency in analyzing vendor performance data, tracking KPIs (e.g., onboarding speed, sales volume, profitability), and identifying actionable trends.
- Familiarity with eCommerce platform tools and workflows to streamline vendor integration.
- Strong project management skills to oversee multiple vendor onboarding timelines and deliverables.
Soft Skills:
- Visionary Leadership: Ability to inspire and align a team around a shared growth strategy.
- Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to cultivate trust-based, long-term partnerships with vendors and stakeholders.
- Strategic Thinking: Capacity to assess market opportunities, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions.
- Communication: Clear, persuasive, and professional articulation of goals, expectations, and feedback to vendors and internal teams.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate the evolving demands of eCommerce and vendor ecosystems.
Why Join Us?
As the VP - Vendor Relations (VP Sales), you will lead the heartbeat of our organization’s growth, driving the expansion of our vendor network and fueling our success on eCommerce marketplaces. This is a high-impact role with the opportunity to shape the future of our business, work with a talented team, and make a tangible difference in a fast-growing industry.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in vendor relations, leadership, and eCommerce growth to [Insert Application Link/Email]. We are excited to meet a leader who shares our passion for driving success through strategic vendor partnerships.
This JD positions the VP - Vendor Relations as a pivotal leadership role, emphasizing its strategic importance to your organization’s growth through eCommerce vendor onboarding. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!
