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Vendor Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lorven Technologies

Program Manager

Foster City, CA · On-site

Program Manager Foster City, CA / Hybrid (3D onsite per week) Full-Time / Direct Hire Seeking a ... Manage vendors, global stakeholders, and delivery partners • Promote continuous improvement ...

Capstone Energy+, Inc.

Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Maintain a master program plan that integrates the Financial Information Systems Manager's project workstreams, vendor deliverables, internal dependencies, and cross-functional milestones into a ...

Xforia, Inc.

Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

Work closely with data transformation/migration vendor team and all program tracks of work involved ... Manage setup of system integrations (interfaces) with S4 HANA * Coordinate Quality Assurance (QA) ...

AMS Group, Inc.

Program Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Description This is a hands-on Program Manager role for someone who is energized by owning outcomes ... Coordinate with vendors to guarantee timely delivery of products in the correct quantities and in ...

AMS Group, Inc

Program Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

... and vendors to support customer requests, including expedited shipments when required. · ... manage risk registers for open licensing orders and other assigned programs. · Monitor team ...

Akima, LLC

Program Manager

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

The Program Manager (PM) will be responsible for providing Integrated Service Provider (ISP). The ... Responsible for managing activities of external consultants and/or vendors. * Comprehensive ...

AMS Group, Inc.

Program Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

This is a hands-on Program Manager role for someone who is energized by owning outcomes, creating ... and vendors to support customer requests, including expedited shipments when required. • ...

VETS

Program Manager

Ventura, CA · On-site

Program Manager Location: Ventura, California This position is contingent upon contract award. This ... Oversees vendor and subcontractors ensuring quality control and adherence to work schedules.Perform ...

VETS

Program Manager

Edwards, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

... Oversees vendor and subcontractors ensuring quality control and compliance to requirements · ... program management support services.

PG&E Corporation

Principal Program Manager

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$194K/yr

This role oversees programs within Elevate' Enterprise GIS and will act as a key liaison between business units, IT, and external vendors. The Principal Program Manager ensures alignment with ...

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All JobsVendor Program JobsVendor Program Manager JobsVendor Program Manager Jobs in California

Vendor Program Manager information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$98.3K

$171.2K

How much do vendor program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for vendor program manager in California is $98,316.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vendor program manager do?

A vendor program manager oversees relationships with external suppliers and service providers, ensuring that vendor contracts, performance, and compliance meet organizational standards. They coordinate vendor onboarding, monitor service delivery, and optimize vendor performance using tools like vendor management systems, often requiring strong negotiation and project management skills.

How does a vendor program manager collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor performance aligns with organizational goals?

A Vendor Program Manager works closely with internal teams such as procurement, operations, legal, and finance to align vendor services with the company’s objectives. Regular cross-functional meetings, clear communication of expectations, and performance reviews are essential parts of this collaboration. The role often requires mediating between vendor capabilities and internal requirements, ensuring that service levels, compliance, and cost-effectiveness are consistently met. This collaborative approach helps drive continuous improvement and maximizes the value derived from vendor relationships.

What is the difference between Vendor Program Manager vs Vendor Account Manager?

AspectVendor Program ManagerVendor Account Manager
Primary FocusOverseeing vendor programs, strategy, and process improvementsManaging relationships and sales with individual vendor accounts
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping vendor programs, ensuring compliance, optimizing vendor performanceBuilding client relationships, negotiating contracts, driving account growth
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, strategic planning, vendor managementCustomer-facing, sales-oriented, relationship management
Required SkillsVendor management, project coordination, communicationSales skills, negotiation, customer service

The Vendor Program Manager focuses on developing and managing vendor programs and processes, while the Vendor Account Manager concentrates on maintaining and growing relationships with individual vendors or clients. Both roles require strong communication skills but differ in strategic versus relationship-driven responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Vendor Program Manager, you need expertise in vendor relationship management, contract negotiation, and supply chain processes, often supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and relevant certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help build trust and ensure alignment between vendors and internal teams. These skills are critical to maintain cost efficiency, mitigate risks, and ensure reliable delivery of goods and services within an organization.

What is a vendor program manager?

A Vendor Program Manager is responsible for overseeing relationships and programs with third-party suppliers or vendors to ensure that goods and services are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards. They coordinate vendor selection, negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and resolve any issues that arise. Their role is crucial in optimizing vendor performance, reducing costs, and maintaining strong partnerships to support the organization's strategic goals.

How much do vendor program managers make in the US?

Vendor Program Managers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles or those in high-cost areas may offer higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

Is a vendor program manager a good job?

A vendor program manager oversees relationships and contracts with external suppliers, ensuring that vendor services meet organizational needs. The role typically requires strong project management, negotiation skills, and knowledge of procurement processes, and it can offer opportunities for career advancement and competitive compensation. Job satisfaction depends on the organization, industry, and individual preferences for managing external partnerships.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vendor Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vendor Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,316 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Contract Manufacturing Program Manager

SambaNova

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contract Manufacturing (CM) Program Manager to own our outsourced production and act as the primary link between SambaNova and our third-party manufacturing partners. In this role you will manage program schedules, product cost, quality metrics, and supply chain continuity to ensure our CM partners deliver on time, on budget, and to specification.

You will operate across the full electronics manufacturing stack - from PCBA through system build and rack integration - partnering closely with engineering, procurement, quality, and supply chain to move products from NPI through volume ramp. The ideal candidate is hands-on, comfortable driving accountability across multiple vendors, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where scale and speed both matter.

Responsibilities

Vendor Management

  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and drive them to on-time delivery and performance goals.
  • Serve as the single point of contact and escalation path between SambaNova and its manufacturing partners.

Cross-Functional Coordination

  • Align internal teams - including engineering, procurement, and quality assurance - with external factory floors.
  • Translate internal product requirements and build plans into clear, executable direction for CM partners.

Schedule and Cost Control

  • Track production milestones against committed build plans and drive recovery when schedules slip.
  • Manage program budgets and negotiate cost productivity improvements with CM partners.

Risk and Change Management

  • Identify and mitigate supply chain disruptions before they impact customer commitments.
  • Own engineering change orders (ECOs) through the product lifecycle, ensuring clean cut-in at the CM and minimal excess/obsolete exposure.

Quality and Compliance

  • Ensure manufactured goods meet regulatory guidelines and SambaNova quality standards.
  • Partner with quality assurance on yield, containment, and corrective action for field and factory escapes.

KPIs and Business Reviews

  • Monitor KPIs across delivery, quality, and cost, and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Lead quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with CM partners, including scorecard reviews and improvement commitments.

Special Assignments

  • Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, business, or a related technical field.
  • 7+ years of experience in contract manufacturing, electronics, or hardware production operations.
  • Direct experience in electronics manufacturing from PCBA through rack integration.
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP) and Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Advanced negotiation, leadership, and multi-vendor program management capabilities.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience managing global CM partners and suppliers for L10-L12 assemblies.
  • Knowledge of NPI processes and scaling manufacturing operations through volume ramp.
  • Experience with BOM structures and ECO, MCO, and deviation processes.
  • Background in data center, server, or AI infrastructure hardware.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to CM partner sites as needed.

Why This Role Matters

SambaNova's ability to deliver AI systems at scale depends on our manufacturing partners executing flawlessly. This role owns that outcome - your work directly determines whether we hit customer delivery commitments, hold our cost targets, and ship products that meet our quality bar as we expand into new customers and regions.

Apply