Specialist, Vendor Relations, Epic

A proud part of the Bell MTS family of companies, Epic specializes in delivering a full suite of IT services to help Manitoba businesses succeed. Whether our customers are looking for managed, cloud, or professional services, they can count on our team of technical experts to deliver the solution that is right for them.

New employees at Epic enter a dynamic workplace operating in a sophisticated, high-technology industry. To put it simply, we challenge our people every day to embrace change and innovation. We also recognize that talented, creative people have many options when choosing where to pursue their careers. Our company offers a wide variety of career development paths and we constantly invest in our people.

The bottom line: we’re looking for innovative, flexible, team-oriented individuals with an appetite for the excitement and constant changes of the IT industry.

**Role Accountabilities**:
Reporting to the Senior Sales Manager, ICT, the Vendor Relations Specialist is accountable for establishing and maintaining Distribution and Vendor Partner relationships, as well as coordinating event management activities.

This role is responsible for fostering and managing relationships with Distributors and Vendor Partners to drive sales and revenue.

Key responsibilities include identifying and onboarding new partners, ensuring program compliance, and facilitating the onboarding process. Additionally, the role encompasses managing certification programs, analyzing program effectiveness, and overseeing finance reporting and budgeting.

It also involves driving business development initiatives, coordinating events, and collaborating with internal teams to develop marketing strategies and sales initiatives.

The incumbent will provide internal training and support, manage escalations, and establish cadence meetings for Partner programs to optimize Partner engagement and sales performance.

Furthermore, the role focuses on driving account profitability and facilitating lead generation through RFXs, with potential for customer-facing interactions while assisting the Sales Team.

**Job Duties & Accountabilities**:
**Vendor Relations**
- ** Program Management**:

- Act as the main liaison for Vendor Partners and Distributors, ensuring smooth partnership experiences.
- Ensure Program compliance, covering contract terms, revenue, certifications, and portal management.
- Facilitate the onboarding of new Partners, including contract establishment, and understanding reseller obligations.
- Oversee portal management tasks, such as employee additions/removals, deal registrations, development fund management, and compliance with marketing rules, alongside organizing Partner conferences.
- Ensure alignment and adherence of Vendor contracts with evolving business needs, contracted commitments, operational objectives, and industry standards.
- **Certification Management**: Ensure program compliance, coordinate sales and technical training, conduct certification reporting and CRM audits, and strategize for Partner status advancement.
- ** Finance and Reporting**:

- Analyze Partner program and events for effectiveness; provide insights for improvement.
- Manage finance reporting, audits, rebates, and development funding.
- Create, manage, and report on Distribution/Vendor Partner budgets and forecasts, certifications, and overall Partner status for leadership.
- **Business Development**:

- Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and market developments to identify partnership opportunities, support Vendor business development, and drive product sales.
- Manage Partner performance, strategizing to enhance sales and revenue.
- Co-Manage RFX identification and submissions, including MERX oversight.
- Manage initiatives including but not limited to efficiency improvements, escalations, performance metrics, and demonstrate proficiency in identifying and targeting new business sales opportunities.
- ** Business Process and Documentation**: Manage Vendor Relations resources and documentation, focusing on creation, improvement, and ongoing management. Ensure SharePoint is current with upcoming events, Vendor/Distributor processes and collateral.
- ** Training**: Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure internal employees receive necessary support, and training on solutions offerings, Partner portals, deal registrations, and sales techniques. Attend sales and technology training and/or conferences, as required.
- ** Escalations**: Manage escalations relating to Vendor/Distribution activities.
- ** Cadences**: Establish cadence meetings for Partner program, as well as, for sales and technical training.

**Events**
- **Event Management**:Manage logistics, catering, ticketing, invitations, and registration for both online and in-person events. Also oversee sponsorship activities, promotional items, and budgeting.
- **Marketing**:Collaborate with the marketing department to create compelling promotional content, s