Senior Manager Supplier Relationship Management & Operations (Chicago)

About the Company

Senior Manager, Supplier Relationship Management & Operations

About the Role

Role Summary The Senior Manager of Supplier Relationship Management & Operations will lead the development and execution of supplier management strategies that enhance operational performance, optimize vendor partnerships, and support organizational objectives. This role serves as a key bridge between internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers, ensuring strong governance, service delivery excellence, and continuous improvement across the supplier ecosystem. This individual will oversee supplier performance, drive operational efficiencies, manage supplier risk, and establish scalable processes that improve visibility and accountability. The position requires a strategic leader who can balance relationship management, operational execution, and data driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic supplier relationship management initiatives across key vendor partnerships
• Develop supplier performance frameworks, scorecards, and governance processes
• Monitor supplier service levels, contractual obligations, and operational performance metrics
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier effectiveness, reduce risk, and optimize costs
• Partner with procurement, finance, operations, and business leaders to align supplier strategies with organizational goals
• Drive operational improvements through process standardization, reporting, and performance analysis
• Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Support contract compliance, issue resolution, escalation management, and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Key Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in supplier relationship management, vendor management, procurement operations, supply chain operations, or a related discipline
• Proven experience leading supplier governance programs and managing strategic vendor relationships
• Strong background in operational performance management, KPI development, and supplier scorecards
• Experience analyzing supplier performance data and driving process improvement initiatives
• Knowledge of contract management, supplier risk management, and service delivery best practices
• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence cross functional stakeholders and executive leadership
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a collaborative and results oriented approach

Required Skills

• Supplier relationship management
• Vendor management
• Procurement operations
• Supply chain operations
• Operational performance management
• KPI development
• Supplier scorecards
• Supplier performance data analysis
• Process improvement initiatives
• Contract management
• Supplier risk management
• Service delivery best practices
• Business acumen
• Influencing cross functional stakeholders and executive leadership
• Communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Relationship building skills
• Leadership abilities
• Collaborative and results oriented approach

Preferred Skills

• Experience with enterprise wide operational improvements
• Experience working directly with senior leadership and strategic business partners

Pay range and compensation package

• Competitive compensation package including bonus potential

Equal Opportunity Statement

Hybrid work environment with significant visibility and impact.