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Vendor Manager Remote Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Sparkfund

Senior Manager, Vendor Management

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$170K - $203K/yr

Senior Manager, Vendor Management Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid) Department: Projects Reports ... We're a remote-first company that values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Three Point Solutions, Inc.

Contract Analyst

Moundsview, MN · On-site +1

$73K - $88K/yr

Remote Duration: 2 Years (Possible Extension) Shift: 1st Shift Job Overview: Seeking a Contract ... supplier agreements, and vendor management • Assist with project coordination and smaller ...

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Vendor Manager Remote information

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

To excel as a Vendor Manager in a remote setting, you need strong contract negotiation, supply chain management, and analytical skills, often supported by a degree in business or supply chain and relevant experience. Familiarity with procurement platforms (such as SAP Ariba or Coupa), vendor management systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills for coordinating with vendors and internal teams virtually. These competencies ensure effective vendor relationships, cost control, and smooth operations in a distributed work environment.

What does a remote vendor manager do?

A remote vendor manager is responsible for overseeing relationships with third-party suppliers and service providers while working from a location outside of a traditional office. Their duties include selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and ensuring service quality meets company standards. Remote vendor managers use digital tools to communicate, track deliverables, and resolve issues efficiently. They play a crucial role in optimizing costs and ensuring the company’s supply chain or services run smoothly.

How does a remote vendor manager effectively build and maintain strong relationships with vendors without in-person meetings?

As a remote Vendor Manager, maintaining strong vendor relationships relies heavily on clear, proactive communication and the use of digital collaboration tools. Regular video conferences, timely responses to inquiries, and transparent sharing of expectations help foster trust and alignment. Building rapport may require extra effort, such as scheduling periodic check-ins and utilizing project management platforms to track deliverables and milestones. It's also important to create structured feedback loops to address issues promptly and ensure ongoing partnership success.

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

AspectVendor Manager RemoteProcurement Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in vendor relationsBachelor's degree, knowledge of procurement processes
Work EnvironmentRemote, collaborative with vendors and internal teamsRemote or on-site, focused on sourcing and purchasing
Industry UsageCommon in tech, manufacturing, servicesCommon in retail, logistics, corporate sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding vendor management roles and remote workComparing procurement roles and responsibilities

The main difference between a Vendor Manager Remote and a Procurement Specialist lies in their focus areas. Vendor Managers primarily oversee vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure service delivery, often working remotely with a strategic approach. Procurement Specialists concentrate on sourcing, purchasing, and managing procurement processes, which may involve more transactional tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and can operate remotely, but their core responsibilities and industry usage differ slightly.

What are popular job titles related to Vendor Manager Remote jobs in Minnesota? For Vendor Manager Remote jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vendor Manager Remote jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Vendor Manager Remote jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Vendor Manager Remote jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Vendor Manager Remote job openings:
Vendor Manager Remote jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vendor Manager Remote job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Senior Manager, Vendor Management

Sparkfund

Minneapolis, MN • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is the utility services company unlocking capacity on the grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities, energy majors, and large-load customers to deploy front-of-the-meter batteries and gensets as distribution infrastructure. By adding targeted capacity exactly where and when the grid needs it most, DCP helps meet demand, support reliability, and put downward pressure on rates. Sparkfund supports program design, grid value assessment, asset host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment with maximum system value and lowest cost.

With more than 3,200 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming customer-sited assets into a valuable portfolio resource for the benefit of our society. To learn more about Sparkfund, visit sparkfund.com.

Senior Manager, Vendor Management

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid)
Department: Projects
Reports To: VP, Engineering & Project Operations

Help Build the Vendor Network That Powers Project Delivery

At Sparkfund, we're transforming how energy infrastructure projects are delivered. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Senior Manager of Vendor Management to lead the relationships, processes, and strategy that ensure our vendor ecosystem can scale alongside the business.

This is more than a procurement role. You'll oversee a portfolio of vendor relationships that directly support project execution across the country, helping Sparkfund deliver high-quality outcomes while balancing performance, cost, and risk. You'll lead a team, influence cross-functional decision-making, and play a key role in building the systems and partnerships that enable long-term growth.

If you enjoy developing teams, solving operational challenges, negotiating strategic partnerships, and creating scalable processes, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll DoLead Vendor Strategy & Performance

  • Manage a portfolio of vendor relationships supporting Sparkfund's project delivery operations.

  • Execute vendor selection, qualification, and performance management processes.

  • Lead vendor scorecards, business reviews, and performance improvement initiatives.

  • Support commercial negotiations and vendor relationship management activities.

  • Maintain and optimize Sparkfund's approved vendor network.

Drive Supply Chain Reliability

  • Monitor vendor performance, capacity, geographic coverage, and operational readiness.

  • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks that could impact project delivery.

  • Develop contingency plans for critical vendor dependencies.

  • Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor capabilities align with project needs.

Lead and Develop a Team

  • Manage and coach a team of Vendor Management professionals.

  • Establish priorities, performance expectations, and development plans.

  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

  • Support workforce planning and team capability development as the function grows.

Partner Across the Business

  • Collaborate with Engineering, Delivery, Contract Management, and Finance teams.

  • Align vendor activities with project and program objectives.

  • Support operational planning and execution through effective vendor engagement.

  • Serve as a trusted advisor on vendor performance, risk, and commercial considerations.

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, or related functions.

  • Experience managing vendor portfolios in project-based, construction, infrastructure, or operational environments.

  • Strong negotiation, commercial, and relationship management skills.

  • Experience leading vendor performance programs and governance processes.

  • Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and team development.

  • Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in energy, utilities, infrastructure, distributed energy resources (DER), or related industries.

  • Experience managing EPC firms, subcontractors, or field service vendors.

  • Familiarity with vendor management platforms, procurement systems, and performance tracking tools.

  • Experience scaling vendor operations within a growing organization.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

  • Thinks strategically about vendor relationships, not just individual transactions.

  • Balances cost, performance, quality, and risk when making decisions.

  • Builds strong partnerships across teams and with external stakeholders.

  • Creates structure and process while remaining adaptable in a growing environment.

  • Develops people and builds high-performing teams.

  • Takes ownership and drives results.

Why Sparkfund?

At Sparkfund, you'll join a mission-driven organization helping customers deploy and manage critical energy infrastructure solutions. We're a remote-first company that values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Benefits & Perks

  • Competitive compensation of $170,000 - $203,000 base salary. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, location, and market considerations.

  • Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Flexible vacation policy

  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave

  • Monthly phone and internet stipend

  • Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're excited about building scalable vendor partnerships, leading teams, and helping shape the future of project delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help power what's next at Sparkfund.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Sparkfund also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you need an accommodation, please let us know.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change at any time based on business needs. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply — even if you do not meet every listed qualification — as skills and competencies can develop in different ways.