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.