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Vendor Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Senior Buyer with deep expertise in electronic components, wiring harnesses, and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) to join our Beaver Dam, WI team. This is a highly visible role ...

New

SR PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Neenah, WI · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills. * Knowledge of dairy supply chain dynamics, food safety regulations, and sustainability practices. Solid experience working with ...

Multi-Site MHC Manager

Green Bay, WI

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The manager leads on-site teams, coordinates maintenance and vendor services, facilitates home sales, and ensures compliance with company policies and applicable laws. This position requires strong ...

SR PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Neenah, WI · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills. * Knowledge of dairy supply chain dynamics, food safety regulations, and sustainability practices. Solid experience working with ...

Property Manager

Appleton, WI · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

  • Retirement

Scheduling vendors for turns. * Assisting leasing staff with answering phones, showing apartments ... Have experience managing at least 500 units. * Experience managing a team of employees. * Knowledge ...

New

Multi-Site MHC Manager

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The manager leads on-site teams, coordinates maintenance and vendor services, facilitates home sales, and ensures compliance with company policies and applicable laws. This position requires strong ...

Showing results 41-60

Vendor Manager information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$36.1K

$97.2K

$169.3K

How much do vendor manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for vendor manager in Appleton, WI is $97,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $110,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do vendor managers make in the US?

Vendor managers in the US typically earn an average salary between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior vendor managers or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vendor manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vendor Manager, you need strong negotiation, contract management, and supply chain knowledge, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), and vendor performance tracking tools is essential. Exceptional relationship-building, problem-solving, and communication skills help you navigate complex vendor interactions and resolve issues efficiently. These skills are crucial for optimizing vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and maintaining reliable supply chains.

Is a vendor manager a good job?

A vendor manager is responsible for overseeing relationships with suppliers and ensuring contract compliance, often requiring strong negotiation and communication skills. The role can offer good career growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities in various industries, but it also involves managing complex vendor issues and maintaining supplier performance. Job satisfaction depends on individual preferences for relationship management and strategic planning.

What are some common challenges vendor managers face when coordinating with multiple suppliers?

Vendor Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning supplier timelines with company needs, managing communication across different time zones, and ensuring consistent quality and compliance from diverse vendors. Balancing cost-effectiveness with reliability can also be demanding, as unexpected delays or supply chain disruptions require quick problem-solving. Building strong relationships and maintaining clear, regular communication with suppliers are key strategies to overcome these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What is a vendor manager?

A vendor manager orders products from various suppliers. Their job duties include selecting different services, negotiating contracts, and evaluating performance. They also manage relationships with different vendors, keep accurate documentation, resolve problems and issues, and streamline these processes. This career requires problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Additional qualifications may include prior work experience and a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

What does a vendor manager do?

A Vendor Manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the suppliers and vendors that provide goods or services to a company. They negotiate contracts, monitor vendor performance, ensure compliance with company standards, and resolve any issues that arise. Vendor Managers work to optimize costs, improve quality, and maintain a reliable supply chain for their organization. Their role is critical in ensuring that the company receives the best value and service from its vendors.

What is the difference between Vendor Manager vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectVendor ManagerProcurement Specialist
Primary FocusManaging vendor relationships and negotiationsSourcing and purchasing goods/services
Required CredentialsExperience in vendor management, negotiation skillsProcurement certifications, purchasing experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with vendors and internal teamsWorks with suppliers, procurement teams, and stakeholders
Industry UsageCommon in supply chain, IT, manufacturingCommon across various industries requiring purchasing

While both roles involve working with external suppliers, a Vendor Manager primarily focuses on maintaining and optimizing vendor relationships, whereas a Procurement Specialist concentrates on sourcing and purchasing goods or services. The Vendor Manager role emphasizes relationship management and negotiation, while the Procurement Specialist emphasizes procurement processes and cost savings.

How much does a vendor manager earn?

A vendor manager's salary varies depending on experience, industry, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually in the United States. Senior vendor managers or those in large organizations may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong negotiation skills and vendor relationship management are key to higher earning potential.

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Vendor Manager jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Vendor Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Vendor Manager job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,203 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.
For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.
Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?
We are seeking a Senior Buyer with deep expertise in electronic components, wiring harnesses, and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) to join our Beaver Dam, WI team. This is a highly visible role responsible for ensuring material availability, strengthening supplier partnerships, and driving cost and operational excellence.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead sourcing and procurement for electronic components (PCBs, semiconductors, connectors) and wiring harness assemblies.
  • Build strong, performance-driven supplier partnerships aligned with Generac's expectations for quality, delivery, and innovation.
  • Drive supplier accountability through scorecards, business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Drive Cost & Value:
  • Lead RFQs, negotiations, and long-term agreements to deliver measurable cost savings and avoidance.
  • Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) mindset to all sourcing decisions.
  • Identify and execute design-for-cost and value engineering opportunities with Engineering.

Lead VMI Strategy & Execution:
  • Own and optimize Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs to support production continuity and inventory health.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to define stocking strategies, replenishment signals, and service levels.
  • Improve inventory turns while minimizing stockouts and excess/obsolete material.

Ensure Supply Continuity:
  • Proactively identify risks in the electronics supply chain and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Develop dual sourcing, safety stock strategies, and contingency plans for critical components.
  • Respond with urgency to shortages, allocation challenges, and supply disruptions.

Partner Cross-Functionally:
  • Work closely with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to align supply with demand.
  • Support new product introductions (NPI) with early supplier engagement and sourcing strategies.
  • Champion a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred
  • 5+ years of purchasing experience, with strong focus on:
    • Electronic components
    • Wiring harnesses or electro-mechanical assemblies
    • Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) or consignment programs
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment (industrial, power systems, electronics, or similar preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities
  • Deep understanding of electronics supply chain dynamics and constraints
  • Experience managing VMI programs and inventory optimization
  • ERP/MRP system proficiency (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to operate with a sense of urgency and ownership

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus.
"We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law."