Manager, Vendor Relations

Accountabilities:: Manage the full relationship lifecycle for a portfolio of 50+ suppliers, including onboarding, business reviews, commercial negotiations, billing, collections, and issue resolution. Identify and onboard new suppliers to address assortment gaps, respond to evolving customer needs, and strengthen the overall retail offering. Negotiate and manage commercial agreements, including master supply agreements and data program agreements, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Analyze retail, category, and supplier performance data to develop actionable insights, prepare business reviews, and deliver vendor-facing reporting tools and dashboards. Oversee data program billing, including invoice preparation, payment follow-up, and the investigation and resolution of discrepancies. Collaborate with strategic suppliers to develop and refine joint business plans through regular performance reviews, monthly touchpoints, and senior-level business discussions. Design and continuously improve vendor engagement processes, governance frameworks, planning cycles, and performance review routines to establish a consistent and scalable partnership model. Develop reporting frameworks, scorecards, and performance metrics to evaluate supplier results, identify commercial opportunities, and support informed decision-making. Coordinate centralized merchandising processes and initiatives, integrating category plans into cohesive execution across retail locations and digital channels. Represent the merchandising function in cross-functional initiatives, helping ensure the successful delivery of in-store promotions, digital merchandising activities, and commercial programs. Partner with Category Management, Merchandising Operations, Retail Planning and Analytics, Supply Chain, Store Support, Store Operations, Marketing, Loyalty, Business Technology, and Finance to drive alignment and execution. Requirements: 5–8 years of experience in retail merchandising, category management, trade marketing, commercial management, or a related field. Experience working in a fast-paced retail or consumer goods environment; experience in the cannabis industry is an advantage. Proven ability to manage external partnerships, negotiate commercial agreements, and influence senior stakeholders. Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and improving scalable merchandising processes and vendor governance frameworks. Advanced Excel proficiency, including experience analyzing large datasets, conducting financial analysis, and preparing performance reports. Strong analytical capabilities, with the ability to turn complex and fragmented data into clear insights, recommendations, and business actions. Experience with Power BI or similar business intelligence and reporting tools is an asset. Strong financial acumen and a solid understanding of retail performance indicators, commercial metrics, revenue drivers, and margin optimization. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and align stakeholders around shared objectives. Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment. Ability to collaborate across diverse functions and balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution. Benefits: Targeted annual compensation: CAD $95,000–$109,000, with the source also listing a rate of pay of CAD $110,000; final compensation may depend on experience, qualifications, and the applicable compensation structure. Performance incentives: Eligibility for performance-based bonuses. Annual salary reviews: Opportunities for compensation reviews. Health and dental coverage: Comprehensive benefits, including a Healthcare Spending Account. Paid vacation: Three weeks of paid vacation annually, with an annual rollover option. Flexible work arrangements: Hybrid working options to support work-life balance, with remote consideration for eligible candidates in specified provinces. Recognition programs: Rewards and recognition initiatives celebrating individual and team achievements. Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Access to mental health, financial, and family support resources. Employee discounts and perks: Savings across fitness, wellness, lifestyle, retail, and everyday services. Inclusive workplace: A commitment to fostering a welcoming and equitable environment where people from diverse backgrounds can contribute and succeed.