Global Vendor Operations Lead

Apkudo; Coppell (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Apkudo is seeking a Vendor Operations Manager to steward strategic vendor and partner relationships as we scale our software- and robotics-as-a-service platform. You will onboard new vendors, enforce SLAs, escalate issues, and drive quarterly business reviews with regional partners.

This hands-on role requires strong analytical skills, experience with vendor management, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across the US and international sites. Travel as needed.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent operating experience.
• 5+ years in vendor/partner management, supplier or partner operations, or managed services delivery.
• 2+ years in mobile/connected device, supply chain, consumer electronics, or technology industries is desired.
• Direct experience managing third‑party vendors — OEMs, staffing, field services, or logistics.
• Expert with Project Management tools and AI tools.
• Experience onboarding new vendors or partners and getting them running.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills; Excel/Sheets required, SQL or Power BI a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including working directly with vendor leadership.
• Has administered a services agreement, not just managed a relationship — SLAs, credits, rate cards, escalation clauses.
• Comfortable holding a vendor to account without damaging the relationship.
• Organized, process‑driven, execution‑focused, and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Willing to travel to US and international sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead new vendor and partner relationships from launch to execution, managing performance and issues.
• Onboard new vendors and partners; gather what they need to operate, coordinate documentation and system access, set up reporting and communication schedules.
• Manage day-to-day performance of MSP, field service, and hardware vendors across US and international sites to meet SLA terms.
• Act as daily contact for vendor site and regional management; log, triage, and escalate to closure.
• Manage the global partner network supporting product deployments, including regional coverage and partner readiness as new markets come online.
• Monitor SLA compliance and drive gaps to correction.
• Validate vendor invoices against contracted rates, volumes, and escalators; resolve discrepancies.
• Administer rate cards, escalators, and headcount true-ups; track cost per unit against plan.
• Collaborate with partners and internal stakeholders to develop monthly business reviews and action logs.

Skills

Vendor management

Project management

Analytics & reporting

Excel/Sheets

SQL/Power BI

Communication with leadership

Travel readiness

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SQL

PM tools

Job description

Apkudo is seeking a Vendor Operations Manager to steward strategic vendor and partner relationships as we scale our software- and robotics-as-a-service platform. You will onboard new vendors, enforce SLAs, escalate issues, and drive quarterly business reviews with regional partners.

This hands-on role requires strong analytical skills, experience with vendor management, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across the US and international sites. Travel as needed.