Job Description

Senior Manager Of 3rd Party Vendor Management

Job Overview:

We are seeking a strategic and execution-focused Senior Manager of 3rd Party Vendor Management to lead and optimize the relationship with external vendors supporting trading card printing and manufacturing. This role will oversee the end-to-end vendor lifecyclefrom bid solicitation through delivery and quality assuranceensuring best-in-class execution and efficiency in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vendor Selection & Contracting
• Lead the bidding process for new and recurring production jobs.
• Evaluate and award work to external print vendors based on cost, quality, capability, and timing.
• Formalize scope of work (SoW) and contractual terms with selected partners.
• Production & Fulfillment Planning
• Define fulfillment and production strategy for each awarded program.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align vendor capabilities with business goals.
• Vendor Management & Execution
• Own and execute long-term vendor strategy, including segmentation and performance metrics.
• Oversee vendor execution and ensure adherence to production milestones and quality standards.
• Provide proactive communication and issue resolution with vendors throughout production cycles.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Work with Quality Assurance to execute in-line and post-production audits.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Product, Procurement, and Logistics teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Order Fulfillment & Delivery
• Manage production scheduling, order transmission, and vendor capacity planning.
• Ensure on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery of all assigned programs.
• Coordinate with Logistics to confirm accurate and timely shipments.
• Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
• Conduct quarterly business reviews with key vendors.
• Track and analyze vendor KPIs (e.g., quality, OTIF, responsiveness).
• Provide structured feedback and identify opportunities for improvement or consolidation.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field; MBA or advanced degree a plus.

7+ years of experience in vendor management, print production, supply chain, or manufacturing.

Experience managing external vendors in a manufacturing environment; print production experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation, selection, and performance management.

Proven ability to manage complex timelines and high-volume production schedules.

Strong analytical and project management skills with attention to detail.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Experience in trading cards, collectibles, or CPG is a plus.

Travel required up to 50%; ability to travel internationally required.

The salary range for this position is $125,000- $150,000, which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.

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