Senior Manager, Vendor Management
SparkFund
$170,000 - $203,000 / year
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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 Do
Lead 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 For
Required 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.
Benefits
- 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
About this role
SparkFund is seeking a Senior Manager of Vendor Management to oversee the vendor relationships and supply chain operations that enable the company's nationwide energy infrastructure project delivery. You'll manage a portfolio of vendors supporting project execution, lead vendor selection and performance management, and develop contingency strategies to mitigate supply chain risks. This role requires balancing cost, performance, quality, and risk while maintaining the approved vendor network that keeps projects on time and on budget across 43 states.
Leading a team of vendor management professionals, you'll establish priorities, coach staff, and build capability as the function scales. You'll also partner closely with Engineering, Delivery, Contract Management, and Finance teams to align vendor activities with project objectives and serve as a trusted advisor on commercial and operational considerations. The role calls for someone with 8+ years in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain—ideally with experience in project-based or construction environments—along with demonstrated people leadership and strong negotiation skills.
This is a contract position based in Minneapolis, Minnesota (hybrid arrangement), with a salary range of $170,000 to $203,000. The role suits someone who thinks strategically about partnerships rather than transactions, builds high-performing teams, and thrives in a growing organization where you can shape processes and drive results.
How this employer is doing
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In the news
Chenoa Warner Appointed as Vice President, Talent & Culture at Sparkfund, hrtoday.in
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Pay for this role
$170,000 to $203,000 per year
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