Operations Lead – Vendor Management

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Lead to own and grow our Vendor Management function. In this player‑coach role you will lead a team of specialists while staying hands‑on with critical vendor relationships, negotiations, and the global partner network that powers our IT asset sourcing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Vendor Management Specialists, setting priorities and ensuring coverage across OEMs, distributors, and VARs.
• Own the global vendor ecosystem, shaping regional sourcing strategies to achieve competitive pricing, reliable fulfillment, and rapid market expansion.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, rebates, incentives, and program structures to improve cost and commercial outcomes.
• Manage vendor KPIs and SLAs, using performance data to identify gaps, hold partners accountable, and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for supply constraints, pricing discrepancies, fulfillment issues, and vendor‑program challenges.
• Build scalable playbooks for vendor onboarding, qualification, deal registration, program enrollment, and regional compliance.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading vendor or supply‑chain operations in the IT channel.
• Hands‑on operator who enjoys developing people and partnerships.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to translate vendor strategy into measurable results.
• Excellent communication and executive‑level relationship skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a critical function in a fast‑growing, D.E. Shaw‑backed tech startup.
• Collaborative environment working closely with Order Management, Logistics, Finance, Sales, Customer Success, and Product teams.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.