What You'll Do:

As a newly established role within Connections Health Solutions, the Vendor Relations Manager will be responsible for building and leading a strategic vendor management function from the ground up. This position plays a critical role in developing collaborative supplier relationships that control costs, manage risk, and support compliance with organizational standards. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in vendor governance and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to establishing foundational processes, performance measures, and relationship frameworks.

• Develop and implement vendor management strategies to ensure alignment with Connections’ business objectives and goals. 
• Oversee vendor vetting, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes for goods and services providers. 
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. 
• Monitor vendor performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs); proactively address issues to ensure service excellence. 
• Conduct internal and regulatory vendor audits to ensure adherence to procurement policies and procedures. 
• Lead contract negotiations with vendors to ensure favorable terms and mitigate risks. 
• Assess vendor risks, including financial stability, compliance, and data security, and implement appropriate governance frameworks. 
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. 
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders—such as Finance, Accounting, Operations, Center Leadership, and Legal—to align vendor activities with organizational priorities. 
• Lead vendor sourcing efforts, including strategic analysis and cost optimization recommendations. 
• Support budgeting and forecasting for vendor-related expenditures. 
• Partner with invoice processing teams to ensure accurate and timely vendor payments. 
• Establish controls and workflows for invoice approvals, reconciliation, and dispute resolution. 
• Work closely with Finance and Accounting to monitor payment schedules and cash flow impacts. 
• Identify and implement automation tools and process enhancements for vendor and payment operations. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field required. 3 years of experience with related duties.
• Experience with financial analysis, budgeting, and vendor risk assessments. 
• Proven ability to build cross-functional partnerships and lead process improvement initiatives. 
• Strong background in contract negotiation, vendor evaluation, and compliance monitoring. 
• 5+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or a related discipline. 
• Familiarity with procurement or vendor management systems preferred.  
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment.

• Experience building or scaling vendor management programs in a healthcare or behavioral health environment.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA or other healthcare regulatory compliance standards. 

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan 

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Connections Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.