Vendor Relations Supervisor

Nadel International; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Nadel International, based in Culver City, CA, is seeking a Vendor Relations Supervisor to lead a dynamic team responsible for sourcing, vendor relations, and vendor compliance.

You will report to the CSO, build strong vendor partnerships, manage category oversight, and drive opportunities in product safety and sustainability. Strong leadership and negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in client services, vendor relations, marketing, or project management with 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Proven success in selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and mitigating risks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global vendor management to enhance relationships, cut costs, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance.
• Lead and mentor a team, support Branding Consultants, vendors, and suppliers.
• Provide strategic data, market trends, and product insights to the sales team.

Skills

Vendor relations

Negotiation

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

PowerPoint

MS Office

Job description

THE BASICS

• Role Summary: The Vendor Relations Supervisor will lead a dynamic team responsible for sourcing, vendor relations, and vendor compliance. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), this role emphasizes building and maintaining strong vendor partnerships, overseeing category management, ensuring product safety and sustainability, and identifying new product opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a proactive mindset, demonstrated success in negotiating competitive terms, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Location: In‑office at our Culver City, CA (HQ) location.
• Compensation: $75,000‑$95,000 depending on experience

ABOUT NADEL

Nadel is a global leader in targeted, high‑impact branded merchandise. Founded in 1953, Nadel offers a connected team of experts who deeply understand every aspect of branded merchandise ideation, creation, and delivery. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Nadel has a presence across North America, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, and beyond. With a strong commitment to sustainable business practices, Nadel continues to drive positive environmental change and raise the bar across the industry. For more information, please visit nadel.com.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversee a global strategic vendor management program to enhance supplier relationships, control costs, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with standards and requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team while fostering a culture of collaboration and ensuring exceptional support for Branding Consultants, vendors, and suppliers.
• Provide strategic support to the sales team by delivering relevant data, market trends, and new product insights to empower their success.
• Oversee the internal compliance program, regularly enhancing protocols to adhere to product safety and social responsibility standards.
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices, integrating new strategies and technologies to enhance the sourcing and marketing processes.
• Research and evaluate competitive products, pricing, and market trends, maintaining databases to support strategic decision‑making.
• Address escalated supplier issues, providing resolutions or escalating complex matters to the CSO as necessary.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production, and other departments to strengthen cross‑functional relationships and ensure proactive follow‑up.
• Be a part of the team that enforces brand consistency through standardized logos, style guides, and visual identity across any and all customer‑facing materials.
• Work with the events team to coordinate, plan, and participate in events and trade shows throughout the year.
• Represent the company at off‑site events, strengthening vendor and supplier relationships to enhance brand presence.
• Oversee the maintenance, order fulfilment, and inventory management of promotional materials.
• Analyze vendor and sourcing data to identify trends and opportunities for process improvement.
• Prepare and present reports on team performance, team productivity, and customer feedback to senior management.
• Perform other related duties and manage special projects as assigned.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of experience in client services, vendor relations, marketing, or project management, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven success in selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and mitigating risks to optimize the supply chain and ensure compliance.
• Superior communication and customer service skills, with the ability to adapt communication styles to diverse personalities.
• Strong organizational, time management, and decision‑making skills with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Thrives in a performance‑driven environment, balancing customer satisfaction with company goals while adapting to changing priorities.
• Capable of managing tasks with minimal supervision while effectively prioritizing workload.
• Friendly, approachable, and outgoing personality, with the ability to lead and foster a positive and collaborative environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly PowerPoint).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or a related field preferred (relevant experience may substitute for education).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Nadel provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. You may read Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law by clicking on the corresponding link.