Vendor Management Manager

Job Description

Company Overview Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. The company ignites the passions of global sports fans and maximizes the presence and reach for hundreds of sports partners globally by offering innovative products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans, a global partner network with over 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, teams, players associations, athletes, celebrities, colleges, and college conferences, and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail business stores. As a market leader with more than 18,000 employees, and hundreds of partners, suppliers, and vendors worldwide, we take responsibility for driving toward more ethical and sustainable practices. We are committed to building an inclusive Fanatics community, reflecting and representing society at every level of the business, including our employees, vendors, partners and fans. Fanatics is also dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we all live, work, and play through strategic philanthropic initiatives. VENDOR MANAGEMENT, MANAGER JOB SUMMARY: Manage vendor relationship strategies and processes for identified vendors, ensuring centralized program controls. Oversee vendor performance, vendor relations, and contract management, partnering cross-functionally on vendor-related activities to ensure alignment. STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES •Assist in managing the vendor relationship strategy for Fanatics, ensuring centralized monitoring of vendor performance •Communicate and walk vendors through the vendor compliance policy and expectations •Build and maintain key strategic vendor relationship, acting as the key contact for vendor matters and issues •Manage and monitor vendor and contract management activities, including payment terms and performance expectations •Review vendor performance reports, highlighting key takeaways and distributing to cross-functional teams •Enforce compliance mechanisms and controls over vendors when contractual terms are not met OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES •Develop vendor strategy and compliance policy, based on vendor segmentation •Develop vendor management Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the team’s processes •Develop and communicate updates to vendor strategies, policies, and processes •Oversee the resolution of Returns-to-Vendor (RTVs) and discrepancies between purchase orders and proofs of delivery •Support Buyers on order adjustments and/or discounts negotiations, modifying Purchase Orders (Pos) as needed •Support Buyers on vendor funding and chargebacks negotiations •Oversee the development of potential new vendors' shortlist •Own or participate in selected, cross-functional vendor management meetings •Review risks and mitigation plans associated with vendor performance, based on Fanatics SOPs TEAM LEADERSHIP •Provide oversight to the Vendor Management Team •Perform personnel management functions, including employee selection, team building, project/workload assignment, employee training, monitoring of work activity, and performance evaluation •Drive cross-functional collaboration for vendor management activities EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: •Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, procurement, or a related field is preferred •Master's degree in business, supply chain management, procurement, or a related field is preferred •Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Professional in Supply Management, Certified Vendor Manager) are a plus GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: •Proven experience in vendor management with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role •Extensive knowledge of the retail industry and understanding of the vendor landscape •Track record of standing up a vendor management team •Experience in conducting vendor assessments, due diligence, and selecting new vendors •Track record of managing and optimizing vendor relationships to drive financial benefits and performance improvements •Experience in negotiating and managing contracts with vendors •Strong experience in analyzing vendor performance to drive decision-making •Familiarity with vendor management risk assessment and mitigation strategies •Strong experience in generating and presenting vendor performance reports and metrics to cross-functional teams •Strategic thinker who can develop and execute vendor management strategies that align with Fanatics goals •Project management skills to oversee vendor-related projects and initiatives •Ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members •Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage vendor contracts, agreements, and performance metrics •Strong interpersonal skills to communicate and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams •Strong presentation skills •Strong prioritization skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment •Proficiency in Microsoft Office •Proficiency in vendor management software tools, ERP systems, and data analytics tools Tryouts are open at Fanatics! Our team is passionate, talented, unified, and charged with creating the fan experience of tomorrow. The ball is in your court now. Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics or Fanatics Brand email address. For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers Fanatics is committed to responsible planning and purchasing (RPP) practices, working with its business partners across its global and multi-layered supply chain, to ensure that planning, sourcing, and purchasing decisions, along with other supporting processes, do not impede or conflict with the fulfillment of Fanatics’ fair labor practices. NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS/APPLICANTS : In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to or describes you (“Personal Information”). The categories of Personal Information that we collect include your name, government issued identification number(s), email address, mailing address, other contact information, emergency contact information, employment history, educational history, criminal record, and demographic information. We collect and use those categories of Personal Information about you for human resources and other business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating you as a candidate for potential or future employment or future contract positions, recordkeeping in relation to recruiting and hiring, conducting criminal background checks as permitted by law, conducting analytics, and ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements and Company policies. For additional information on how we collect and use personal information in connection with your job application, review our Privacy Notice . Apply for this job