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Vendor Development Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Project Manager - Revenue Cycle Vendor Management will have a unique opportunity to build a ... development/maintenance of project plans, project tracking, budget preparation, meeting planning ...

R&D Engineering Manager

Marysville, MI · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

The R&D Engineering Manager will provide engineering leadership and people leadership to the R&D ... Build strong vendor relationships; lead vendor evaluations, technical reviews, and collaboration to ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Michigan?

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

Infographic showing various Vendor Development Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Strategic Account Business Development Manager

Kasa Companies

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Strategic Account amp; Business Development Manager
This role is responsible for expanding Kasa's established automotive business and growing it into new markets. You will protect and deepen Kasa's long-standing end-user relationships while opening doors at manufacturers outside our current account base- diversifying our portfolio across new OEMs, integrators, and programs. The role performs the full cycle: identifying and qualifying opportunities, reviewing specifications with estimating and engineering, shaping pricing strategy, developing proposals, and negotiating contracts to close. We are looking for someone who can operate independently in the field and work effectively with an internal team, with the drive to build business rather than wait for it. This position is part of Kasa's five-year growth plan and is positioned to become a cornerstone of our future sales organization.
Essential Duties amp; Responsibilities
  • Maintains and grows Kasa’s book of business with current automotive end users, protecting existing accounts and surfacing follow-on opportunities.
  • Introduces Kasa to automotive end users outside of our current account base, leveraging established relationships with decision-makers, engineering, and procurement leaders at other OEMs (e.g., Ford, Stellantis, Nissan) to get Kasa in the door.
  • Brings and actively cultivates a network of contacts at automotive manufacturers beyond General Motors to open doors for new business and new program awards.
  • Identifies, qualifies, and prioritizes new end-user accounts and integrator pathways that expand Kasa’s footprint across the automotive market.
  • Partners with the internal program manager, estimating, and engineering teams to review new customer specifications and assess technical fit, feasibility, and pricing strategy.
  • Ensures Kasa is contractually aligned with each new end user by coordinating early review of specifications, terms, and commercial requirements with internal stakeholders before commitments are made.
  • Understands and has knowledge of industrial controls systems.
  • Communicates with vendors regarding pricing, component selection and solution development.
  • Communicates with clients via phone, video conferencing, face-to-face meetings, and email.
  • Develops and delivers customized written proposals with relevant clarifications.
  • Maintains confidentiality regarding projects, pricing, and client communication.
  • Understands and adheres to internal document control and distribution processes.
  • Understands and interprets project specifications.
  • Understands contract drawings.
  • Understands risk assessment process.
  • Understands and interprets contracts.
  • Analyzes project financial history including material, labor, and profits.
  • Develops a sales strategy for lead generation and opportunity management in line with our strategic ambitions and long-term plan
  • Develops and pursues profitable sales leads to achieve planned order intake and profit level in accordance with the sales strategy
  • Uses Kasa’s CRM to its full potential by tracking customer information, account activity, logging calls, and maintaining sales funnel.
  • Develops an effective strategy based on a thorough assessment of the customer's decision-making process and using appropriate stakeholder management tools
  • Conducts initial specification review and coordinate sales material, a pricing strategy, and the proposal content
  • Negotiates contracts for awarded projects to a successful closing in line with the company's legal requirements
  • Provides input to weekly/monthly departmental activity reports and manage sales documentation and data for Bid/No Bid decision making
  • Pursues/maintains a healthy pipeline of opportunities and applies active funnel management
  • Achieves sales targets
  • Maintains and builds relationships and customer satisfaction that meets Kasa's standards
  • Reads a Scope of Work for a system, understands what is required, and clarifies any scope of work, timing, or budget issues at the beginning of the project and as issues arise.
  • Drives internal estimate reviews, internal kickoff meetings, and external critical customer meetings
  • Has a general understanding of overall project financial performance
  • Builds and maintains deep, long-term relationships with the end users and integrators we serve, serving as a trusted partner across multiple projects and engagements.
  • Complies with safety policies, ISO QMS requirements, and operational procedures.
  • Ability to maintain an acceptable driving record (MVR).
  • Participates in continuous improvement efforts including kaizens and quality escape procedures.
Education amp; Experience
  • One-year certificate from college or technical school; or one to three years’ experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams required.
  • Several years of business development, sales, and/or project management experience with Fortune 500 companies in the automotive industry (e.g., General Motors, Ford, Stellantis) strongly preferred.
  • Established network of relationships with decision-makers, engineering, and procurement contacts at automotive manufacturers beyond General Motors, with a demonstrated ability to open doors and create new business opportunities.
  • Familiarity with controls, automation, and/or electrical integration in a manufacturing environment preferred.
  • Resides in, or is willing to relocate to, the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area preferred.
Work Environment
  • This position primarily operates in a clerical setting. It routinely requires the use of standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, copiers, and fax machines. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Additional hours are required as job duties demand.
  • This role requires travel for customer and prospect meetings, routine sales travel calls, industrial facilities tours, and attendance at multi-day trainings and trade shows. Nearly all travel is within the US, Canada, and Mexico; however, travel worldwide is possible.
Physical Demands
  • This is largely a sedentary role. The position will require frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing. Occasionally, it may require reaching, bending, and/or lifting to 25lbs.
  • Performance of the required duties will require physical ability to occasionally climb permanent and temporary stairs, climb ladders, negotiate work areas under construction, and balance. It may also require stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Intent and Function of Job Descriptions:
Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related decisions regarding promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination. Well-constructed job descriptions are an integral part of any effective compensation system.
All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodation will be made that may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others, or that impose undue hardships on the organization. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.
Statement of Understanding
  • I understand the description of this job and the essential job functions stated above. I also understand that not all duties are described in full detail and that I will perform these duties as directed by my supervisor or management.
  • This job description may be amended or changed without advance notice.
____________________________
Employee’s Signature/Date