Senior Manager, Vendor Management

<div class="content-intro"><h2>About Sparkfund</h2> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p></div><h2>Senior Manager, Vendor Management</h2> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid)<br><strong>Department:</strong> Projects<br><strong>Reports To:</strong> VP, Engineering &amp; Project Operations</p> <h3>Help Build the Vendor Network That Powers Project Delivery</h3> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>If you enjoy developing teams, solving operational challenges, negotiating strategic partnerships, and creating scalable processes, we'd love to meet you.</p> <h2>What You'll Do</h2> <h3>Lead Vendor Strategy &amp; Performance</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Manage a portfolio of vendor relationships supporting Sparkfund's project delivery operations.</p> </li> <li> <p>Execute vendor selection, qualification, and performance management processes.</p> </li> <li> <p>Lead vendor scorecards, business reviews, and performance improvement initiatives.</p> </li> <li> <p>Support commercial negotiations and vendor relationship management activities.</p> </li> <li> <p>Maintain and optimize Sparkfund's approved vendor network.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Drive Supply Chain Reliability</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Monitor vendor performance, capacity, geographic coverage, and operational readiness.</p> </li> <li> <p>Identify and mitigate supply chain risks that could impact project delivery.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develop contingency plans for critical vendor dependencies.</p> </li> <li> <p>Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor capabilities align with project needs.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Lead and Develop a Team</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Manage and coach a team of Vendor Management professionals.</p> </li> <li> <p>Establish priorities, performance expectations, and development plans.</p> </li> <li> <p>Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.</p> </li> <li> <p>Support workforce planning and team capability development as the function grows.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Partner Across the Business</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Collaborate with Engineering, Delivery, Contract Management, and Finance teams.</p> </li> <li> <p>Align vendor activities with project and program objectives.</p> </li> <li> <p>Support operational planning and execution through effective vendor engagement.</p> </li> <li> <p>Serve as a trusted advisor on vendor performance, risk, and commercial considerations.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>What We're Looking For</h2> <h3>Required Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li> <p>8+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, or related functions.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience managing vendor portfolios in project-based, construction, infrastructure, or operational environments.</p> </li> <li> <p>Strong negotiation, commercial, and relationship management skills.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience leading vendor performance programs and governance processes.</p> </li> <li> <p>Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and team development.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed business decisions.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Preferred Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Experience in energy, utilities, infrastructure, distributed energy resources (DER), or related industries.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience managing EPC firms, subcontractors, or field service vendors.</p> </li> <li> <p>Familiarity with vendor management platforms, procurement systems, and performance tracking tools.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience scaling vendor operations within a growing organization.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>What Makes Someone Successful in This Role</h2> <ul> <li> <p>Thinks strategically about vendor relationships, not just individual transactions.</p> </li> <li> <p>Balances cost, performance, quality, and risk when making decisions.</p> </li> <li> <p>Builds strong partnerships across teams and with external stakeholders.</p> </li> <li> <p>Creates structure and process while remaining adaptable in a growing environment.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develops people and builds high-performing teams.</p> </li> <li> <p>Takes ownership and drives results.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Why Sparkfund?</h2> <p>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.</p> <h3>Benefits &amp; Perks</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Competitive compensation of $170,000 - $203,000 base salary. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, location, and market considerations.</p> </li> <li> <p>Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage</p> </li> <li> <p>401(k) with employer match</p> </li> <li> <p>Flexible vacation policy</p> </li> <li> <p>12 weeks of paid parental leave</p> </li> <li> <p>Monthly phone and internet stipend</p> </li> <li> <p>Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Ready to Make an Impact?</h2> <p>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.</p> <p>Apply today and help power what's next at Sparkfund.</p><div class="content-conclusion"><h2><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Equal Employment Opportunity</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Sparkfund&nbsp;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&nbsp;on the basis of&nbsp;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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Sparkfund&nbsp;also provides reasonable&nbsp;accommodations&nbsp;for qualified individuals with disabilities and for&nbsp;sincerely held&nbsp;religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you need&nbsp;an accommodation, please let us know.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <h2><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Disclaimer</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span> <span data-contrast="auto">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&nbsp;different ways.</span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p></div>