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 lifecycle—from bid solicitation through delivery and quality assurance—ensuring best-inclass 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 o       

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 crossfunctional 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.