Vendor Relationships Manager

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Vendor Relationships Manager is responsible for leading vendor strategy, selection, contracting, and oversight across Clinilabs’ clinical trial portfolio. This role ensures that vendor partnerships are aligned with study requirements, financial targets, and operational timelines, supporting both ongoing studies and new business opportunities.

This position partners closely with Clinical Operations, Business Development, Finance, Legal, and functional leadership to support efficient study start-up, execution, and organizational scalability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and maintain Clinilabs’ vendor strategy aligned with CNS study requirements (e.g., imaging, eCOA, central labs, biomarkers, specialty vendors)

Build and manage a preferred vendor network to support both current studies and future pipeline opportunities

Identify and onboard new vendors based on study needs, geographic expansion, and emerging capabilities

Ensure vendor readiness to support rapid study start-up and execution

Partner with Business Development and Proposals teams to support RFP responses and bid defenses

Identify appropriate vendors for new opportunities based on protocol and sponsor requirements

Lead vendor outreach, including request for proposals (RFPs), bid collection, and comparative analysis

Provide vendor cost assumptions, timelines, and strategic input to ensure competitive and accurate proposals

Lead negotiation and execution of vendor agreements, including MSAs, SOWs, and Work Orders

Ensure alignment with sponsor budgets, internal financial targets, and study scope

Manage and negotiate vendor change orders, ensuring appropriate documentation and sponsor alignment where applicable

Partner with Finance and Legal to ensure compliance with Clinilabs policies and contractual standards

Track vendor budgets vs. actuals, proactively identifying risks and mitigation strategies

Establish and monitor vendor KPIs, SLAs, and performance metrics across studies

Lead vendor governance activities, including regular performance reviews and issue resolution

Partner with Clinical Operations to ensure vendor deliverables align with study timelines and milestones

Escalate and resolve vendor-related risks and issues in a timely manner

Ensure vendor compliance with GxP, regulatory requirements, and audit/inspection readiness

Provide cross-study oversight of vendor activities across the Clinilabs portfolio

Collaborate with Clinical Operations leads to support study start-up, enrollment, and close-out activities

Ensure consistency in vendor management practices across studies

Support documentation and reporting requirements for sponsors and internal stakeholders

Salary range between $115,000 - $125,000. Final compensation is based on skills, experience, location, and overall expertise.

TRAVELING

Travel to corporate offices in New Jersey as required for meetings.

Attend client meetings and other locations as required by the role when necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MHA, MBA, or related field) preferred

6–10+ years of experience in clinical research, including vendor management within a CRO environment

Experience supporting CNS clinical trials strongly preferred

Demonstrated experience in vendor contracting, negotiation, and financial management

Experience supporting business development and proposal processes

Strong negotiation and financial acumen

Strategic and analytical mindset with strong attention to detail

Collaborative leadership and cross-functional influence

Proactive, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced CRO environment