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Vendor Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NorthPoint Development

Development Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are looking to add a Development Manager to our growing team! NorthPoint provides an inclusive ... Bid, negotiate, and administer contracts and change orders for all project related vendors ...

Foodshare Inc

Development Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

The Development Manager plays a critical role in advancing Food Share's fundraising success by ... Partner with marketing and digital vendors to support recurring giving campaigns and donor ...

Foodshare Inc

Development Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Description The Development Manager plays a critical role in advancing Food Share's fundraising ... Partner with marketing and digital vendors to support recurring giving campaigns and donor ...

The Helix School

Development Manager

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Manage relationships with development consultants, vendors, and contractors as needed Qualifications * Education, Experience & Competencies * Bachelor's degree * 4-5 years of relevant fundraising ...

The Helix School

Development Manager

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Manage relationships with development consultants, vendors, and contractors as needed Qualifications * Education, Experience & Competencies * Bachelor's degree * 4-5 years of relevant fundraising ...

The Helix School

Development Manager

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$200K/yr

Manage relationships with development consultants, vendors, and contractors as needed Qualifications * Education, Experience & Competencies * Bachelor's degree * 4-5 years of relevant fundraising ...

Boot Barn

Associate Product Development Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $152K/yr

Submit and track development sample requests with vendors; ensure timely receipt and escalate ... Manage and track samples across all development stages; prepare for key milestone meetings and ...

Forestar Real Estate

Development Manager-FG

Fresno, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company focused on delivering desirable ... Conduct site visits and meetings with vendors as needed * Manage 3rd party property managers ...

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Vendor Development Manager information

What is a vendor development manager?

Vendor Development Managers are professionals responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing relationships with suppliers or vendors to ensure the organization receives quality goods and services at competitive prices. They work to develop and maintain strong partnerships with vendors, negotiate contracts, and monitor vendor performance. Their role is crucial in optimizing supply chain efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring that vendors meet the company’s standards and requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vendor development manager?

To thrive as a Vendor Development Manager, you need expertise in supplier relationship management, procurement strategies, and a background in business administration or supply chain management. Familiarity with procurement software (such as SAP Ariba or Oracle Procurement), contract management systems, and relevant certifications like CPSM or CSCP are highly valued. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities ensure effective vendor partnerships, cost efficiency, and seamless supply chain operations.

What are some common challenges vendor development managers face when onboarding new suppliers?

Vendor Development Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning supplier capabilities with company quality and compliance standards, managing communication across different cultures and time zones, and ensuring timely delivery of products or services. Building trust and transparency with new vendors can require extra effort, particularly in highly regulated industries. Proactive relationship management and clear onboarding processes are essential to address these challenges and foster long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

What is the difference between Vendor Development Manager vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectVendor Development ManagerProcurement Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; experience in vendor managementBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; purchasing certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on building vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and developing new suppliersHandles purchasing activities, sourcing, and order processing
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, retail, and logistics companiesUsed across various industries including manufacturing, retail, and government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand vendor management roles and responsibilitiesOften compared to understand procurement processes and sourcing strategies

The Vendor Development Manager primarily focuses on developing and managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and expanding supplier networks. In contrast, the Procurement Specialist handles purchasing activities, sourcing, and order fulfillment. Both roles are essential in supply chain management but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How much does a vendor development manager earn?

A vendor development manager's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those in large organizations may offer higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What are popular job titles related to Vendor Development Manager jobs in California?

For Vendor Development Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vendor Development Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Vendor Development Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Vendor Development Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Vendor Development Manager job openings:

Vendor Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vendor Development Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Associate Manager, Product Development - Denim Off Price

True Religion

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
THE PURPOSE: The Associate Manager, Product Development – Denim Off Price plays an essential role in keeping True Religion's development process moving with accuracy and intention. Working closely with the Product Development Manager and a wide cross-functional team, this person is responsible for the day-to-day coordination that turns design concepts into production-ready product—tracking milestones, managing vendor communication, driving approvals, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. It's a role that requires both sharp organizational instincts and genuine care for the craft, and the right candidate will find real ownership and growth opportunity here.

THE ROLE (what you are accountable for):
  • Support end-to-end product development execution for the Off Price Denim category, coordinating across Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, and vendor partners to keep milestones on track against the GTM calendar.
  • Maintain and update WIP reports and development tracking tools, providing accurate visibility into key milestones, open approvals, and potential bottlenecks—flagging risks to the Product Development Manager before they become issues.
  • Manage sample tracking across all stages—preparing initial briefs, coordinating seasonal style communication to vendors, and proactively driving garment and component submits to keep the approval process moving.
  • Support material development workflows including lab dips, strike-offs, washes, and samples, ensuring all submits are tracked, communicated, and resolved in alignment with the development calendar.
  • Assist in managing the fabric library—digital and physical—ensuring all records are accurate, current, and organized to support development efficiency and quality control.
  • Communicate proactively with vendors on development progress, open items, and timelines; participate in vendor meetings and support follow-through on action items and feedback.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to support time and action calendar management, helping track internal and external deadlines and escalating conflicts or delays in a timely manner.
  • Help monitor and communicate product cost throughout the development pipeline, supporting the team in identifying opportunities to hit cost targets without compromising quality or aesthetic intent.
  • Assist in executing sourcing strategies and ensuring collections reflect the brand's pricing structure and strategic objectives, in partnership with the Director, Design, Merchandising, Planning, and Production.
YOU ARE: You bring a strong combination of product development know-how and an instinct for keeping things organized and moving. You are comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, take ownership of your work, and approach challenges with both rigor and creativity. You're the kind of person who notices what's slipping before anyone asks, communicates clearly across teams and time zones, and takes genuine pride in the quality of what you help bring to life. You're early in your leadership journey but already showing what it looks like to own a process and drive it to completion.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
  • 3–5 years of experience in product development, sourcing, or production within the apparel or related consumer goods industry
  • Working knowledge of garment construction, fabric properties, costing fundamentals, and product development cycle timelines
  • Demonstrated experience managing sample tracking, approval workflows, and development milestones against a seasonal calendar
  • Experience communicating and coordinating with overseas vendors across multiple time zones
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; comfortable working within PLM or product development tracking systems
  • Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills across internal teams and external vendor partners

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 
  • Experience working with the denim category
  • Exposure to sourcing strategy or vendor development conversations, even in a supporting capacity
  • Experience with Full Circle or other apparel PLM systems
  • Background working cross-functionally in a branded lifestyle or fashion environment

ADDITIONAL ROLE INFORMATION
  • Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this role is $75,000 – $85,000. This is a full-time, exempt position. This range represents the low and high ends of the expected base salary range for this role based on the applicable location. True Religion reasonably expects to pay within this range in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and internal equity.
  • Perks: We offer a mix of benefits and perks to support our employees at work and beyond, including health benefits, a 401(k) with employer match, merchandise discounts, commuter benefits, wellness & employee assistance programs, and more. 
  • Work Model: This role is based in El Segundo, CA, and follows a hybrid work model, with an expectation of in-office presence on designated days to support collaboration and business needs.
  • Employment Eligibility: Employment with True Religion is contingent upon meeting applicable employment eligibility requirements.