Vendor Services & Procurement Manager

Blue River PetCare; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Flex Spending Accounts

Disability and Life Insurance

Retirement plans with company match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Pet Perks

Childcare discounts

Discounted gym memberships

Job summary

Blue River PetCare seeks a Vendor Services and Procurement Manager in Chicago, IL. This role involves leading vendor partnerships, optimizing procurement strategies, and ensuring compliance across hospitals. Candidates should have 4–6 years of relevant experience, preferably in the veterinary or medical industry. The position offers a competitive salary range of $145,000-$150,000 annually along with various benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in procurement, vendor management, or related field.
• Preferred experience in veterinary or medical industries with supplier programs.
• Ability to interpret spend data and develop insights.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize strategic partnerships with vendors.
• Monitor vendor performance for compliance and quality.
• Lead quarterly business reviews with suppliers.
• Manage supplier rebate programs ensuring accurate tracking.
• Coordinate vendor account setup with Operations, IT, and Finance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Multi-priority management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

This team member must be located within 40 miles of the Blue River PetCare corporate office (1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606) to work a hybrid schedule.

The Vendor Services and Procurement Manager is an integral part of the Company’s Operations team. This position leads strategic vendor partnerships, drives procurement efficiency across all hospitals, and ensures vendor programs deliver measurable financial and operational value. The role supports new acquisition integrations, manages rebate and pricing programs, and partners closely with Operations, Finance, and Clinical teams to standardize and elevate procurement practices across the Organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize strategic partnerships with manufacturers, distributors, and service providers
• Monitor vendor performance for compliance, service quality, and adherence to contract terms
• Lead quarterly business reviews with key suppliers and escalates performance issues
• Serve as primary liaison between vendors and internal teams to resolve issues, improve workflows, and enhance service delivery
• Develop and execute procurement strategies supporting cost savings, vendor consolidation, and product standardization across hospitals
• Oversee pricing accuracy and conduct audits within procurement platform for contract compliance
• Support clinics in optimizing inventory management, equipment procurement, online pharmacy use
• Manage supplier rebate/discount programs ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and reconciliation
• Conduct spend analysis and provide leadership with insights to guide purchasing decisions and vendor alignment
• Ensure new practices transition to preferred vendors, pricing structures, and procurement workflows
• Coordinate with Operations/IT/Finance to ensure seamless vendor account setup and data accuracy
• Support vendor services initiatives, technology enhancements, and enterprise procurement projects
• Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned
• Provide training and support to hospital teams on procurement tools and vendor programs

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• 4–6 years of experience in procurement, vendor management, supply chain, or related field
• Experience in veterinary, medical, or similar industry with rebate‑heavy supplier programs strongly preferred
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data and develop actionable insights
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Technical Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time
• This position frequently communicates with managers at remote locations using email and phone; must be able to exchange clear, accurate information
• This position frequently communicates and collaborates with co‑workers in the office
• Frequent keyboarding/use of computer for data entry

Supervision: None

Work Location: Chicago, IL

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $145,000-150,000 per year

Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program.

Blue River PetCare offers the following benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible & Health Spending Accounts
• Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement plans with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies
• Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits
• Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members
• Childcare discounts with KinderCare
• Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts
• Hybrid and remote opportunities

Diversity is embraced at Blue River PetCare and the uniqueness of all individuals is supported. All qualified applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or ancestry.