Vendor Management Specialist

Job Title: Vendor Management Specialist

Type: W2 or C2C

Employment Type: Remote (US)

About the Company

Gruve is an innovative Software Services startup dedicated to empowering Enterprise Customers in managing their Data Life Cycle. We specialize in Cyber Security, Customer Experience, Infrastructure, and advanced technologies such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Our mission is to assist our customers in their business strategies utilizing their data to make more intelligent decisions. As a well-funded early-stage startup, Gruve offers a dynamic environment with strong customer and partner networks.

Why Gruve

At Gruve, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Gruve is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position Description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead our Vendor Management Office (VMO). This role is responsible for managing the entire vendor lifecycle from requirements gathering and sourcing through contract execution, performance monitoring, and compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills, strategic sourcing expertise, and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the contract lifecycle (requirement management, vendor management, Contract execution and compliance, OTC, PO)
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive vendor performance framework to ensure service delivery excellence and align with organizational objectives
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, acting as the primary point of contact to resolve issues and ensure continuous improvement
• Lead & host management forums for quarterly business reviews
• Highly skilled in negotiation, securing favorable terms and conditions with vendors, ensuring efficiency targets were met and cost-saving objectives achieved
• Lead the RFP and RFI processes to identify and select strategic vendors, ensuring that all solutions met operational and business requirements
• Lead the negotiation of contract terms with vendors, ensuring they meet the company’s operational requirements and performance standards
• Collaborated with key stakeholders across the organization to gather and align strategy requirements with overall business needs, ensuring seamless execution of procurement plans
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, focus on cost efficiency, process optimization, and innovative solutions to meet business needs.
• Ensure vendors are aligned with company policies and procedures and service delivery is always as per contractual agreement.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in vendor management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or contract management.
• Proven experience in negotiating and managing complex vendor contracts and relationships.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with procurement systems and vendor management tools is a plus.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Compliance Statements

• This job description is compliant with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• The essential functions listed are necessary for ADA compliance.
• Salary ranges are provided in accordance with New York and California pay transparency laws.

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Occasionally move about the office to access files and office equipment.

Work Environment

• This position may require working in a fast-paced environment.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Gruve is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Gruve will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr.usa@gruve.ai.