Manager, Vendor Relations

Job Number: SUP0101H1

Job Description – Manager, Vendor Relations (People Leader)

Primary Location

Value Proposition

As a leading partner in healthcare, Medline Canada’s sole purpose is Together Improving Care – this means being deeply committed to the health and well‑being of our customers, employees, partners and our communities. We employ a diverse group of top talent focused on growing and making a difference in the lives of Canadians, coast‑to‑coast.

Compensation is only one part of the Employee Value Proposition that Medline Canada offers. As part of our mission, we offer one of the most competitive and engaging employee experience programs in Canada, which includes:

- Collaborative work environment with highly engaged employees

- Market competitive compensation and benefits plan, including LTD & insurance

- DPSP match program

- Annual Employee Appreciation Week

- Paid vacation and personal days

- Lifeworks® Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Resources supporting mental, physical, family and financial well‑being

- Career growth and training programs

- Open communication with Senior Leaders

- Tailored incentives for eligible employee groups, such as home office reimbursement and Sylvan Learning Centre credit

- Employee referral program

- Education support programs

- Fitness subsidy

- Recognition programs

- Social activities

- And much more…

Job Summary

The Manager, Vendor Relations oversees strategic National Brand supplier relationships, serving as the primary liaison between vendors and Medline Canada. This role drives financial and operational objectives for the Distributed Products channel through portfolio ownership and collaboration between senior management and executive‑level external and internal stakeholders. The leader manages team members responsible for the core operational business functions of the department, applying business acumen and strategic partnership skills to align vendor strategies with organizational, departmental, and portfolio goals.

Reporting to: Director, Vendor Relations & Commercialization

Job Level: People Manager

Core Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

- Manage a strategic vendor portfolio, achieving financial and operational targets through data‑driven strategies.

- Maintain strong vendor relationships, addressing inquiries and resolving escalations professionally.

- Lead contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and ensure compliance with company policies.

- Manage the performance and mentor Vendor Relations Associate(s).

- Identify opportunities and lead collaboration between strategic vendors and Medline Canada to implement sales, marketing and partnership programs.

- Represent Vendor Relations Team in cross‑functional projects and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Vendor Relationship Management and Portfolio Ownership

- Demonstrate leadership in managing assigned vendor portfolio – meeting financial and operational goals – by defining data‑driven strategies and executing tactics with sound judgment.

- Build strong vendor relationships to identify, design and implement product strategies and marketing programs that deliver value to Medline customers and sales reps.

- Professionally address vendor‑related inquiries or escalations for efficient and effective resolution.

- Become knowledgeable about the products, pipeline and go‑to‑market strategies of the vendor portfolio, positioning Medline Canada in strategic vendor partnerships that benefit customers.

- Thrive in an inspiring and positive team environment with open communication culture and an innovation mindset.

- Manage and mentor Vendor Relations Associate(s) and their day‑to‑day tasks, ensuring operational decisions align with department goals and objectives and are executed efficiently and within designated SLAs.

- Act as the escalation contact for internal teams, working with stakeholders to problem‑solve and mediate through challenges and opportunities that arise.

- Identify and/or lead projects relating to operational efficiencies (e.g., process refinement, new tools adoption).

2. Contract Negotiation and Management

- Negotiate agreements with vendors to achieve improved financial terms and conditions.

- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure contracts align with company objectives, legal requirements and category expectations.

- Use document management systems to monitor and track contract status and ensure vendor contract compliance with agreement terms and company policies.

3. Vendor Performance Monitoring and Reporting

- Plan and attend business reviews with vendors.

- Develop and refine vendor scorecards, inclusive of sales and marketing program details and operational KPIs.

- Escalate to senior management and communicate corrective actions for underperforming vendors when required.

- Enhance existing reporting or develop new tools or reports to measure and track vendor performance.

4. Strategic Sourcing and Sales Program Management

- Stay informed about vendor‑ and category‑relevant market trends, pricing and supply chain developments by working closely with Medline Industries VRM team, Medline Canada Product Management and Inventory Management teams.

- In line with identified strategic categories or products, work independently with Sales teams to develop and implement marketing product programs that sell more profitable products and deliver value and savings to Medline customers and sales reps.

- Employ an entrepreneurial and continuous improvement mindset, actively identify and recommend new product opportunities or process enhancements to optimize strategic sourcing and Medline’s market position.

5. Collaboration and Relationship Management Expertise

- Primary responsibility to assigned vendors to problem‑solve and mediate through challenges and opportunities that arise.

- Build collaborative partnerships with strategic vendors at the senior leadership level.

- Connect on a regular cadence and collaborate with Medline Industries VRM counterparts on key vendor accounts to share insights and identify opportunities for Canadian or cross‑border growth.

- Work closely with key internal functions and resources to ensure seamless vendor account operations.

- Represent the Vendor Relations Team in a leadership capacity in cross‑functional projects and initiatives as required.

Qualifications

- University or Bachelor’s degree and minimum seven years overall experience in vendor relations, product management, or sales – managing relationships at the key account, management, or executive level; or equivalent combination of education and experience; prior experience in distribution operations is an asset.

- Intermediate+ level Microsoft Office Suite and SAP or similar ERP system.

- Strong written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.

- Proven strategic thinker, detail‑oriented and adept at managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.

- Experience leading and directing individuals and managing their performance.

- Ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across internal and external stakeholders at a senior management and executive level.

- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, able to use data to define and refine strategies.

- Familiar with concepts, processes and terminology of Vendor Relations Management, Supply Chain Management, Product Management, Business Development.

- Proactive and able to independently manage a strategic vendor portfolio and team performance.

- Collaborative team player with a positive attitude.

- Bilingual – English and French is an asset.

About Medline Canada

Medline Canada stands at the forefront of healthcare, providing expertise and a breadth of solutions for every care setting. With 550+ employees, including 100 dedicated sales and clinical professionals and eight distribution centres located coast‑to‑coast, Medline Canada is proud to serve the entire continuum of care.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

Medline Canada is committed to diversity and inclusivity and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons/persons of colour and those who identify as women, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ persons.

Our commitment to Accessibility

Medline Canada is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We endeavor to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact HRCanada@medline.com.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Medline is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please send an e‑mail to employment@medline.com.

Veterans at Medline

Medline recognizes the experience and dedication veterans bring to the workplace. We take pride in the career paths provided to our employees. Our military employees add tremendous leadership skills and a broad range of talents which help us drive the healthcare solutions needed for today and tomorrow.

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