Vendor Network Manager (Recruiting & Account Management)

Hello! Are you a driven professional looking to grow your career? We’re MDE, a Des Moines-based property management company that provides landscaping, snow removal, and general facilities services to clients across the Midwest. The keys to our success have included a great company culture, a lasting commitment to our values, and a network of contracted associates (contract service providers) that empower us to deliver unparalleled service to our clients. (That’s where you come in.)

This is a non-IT role focused on managing third-party service providers.

The Vendor Network Manager is responsible for engaging with the assigned network of associates, recruiting and onboarding new associates, and providing a variety of services at client facilities. Vendor Network Managers recruit, contact, assign, train, and, when necessary, address service levels. This includes training associates to use various tools for documenting work, billing, and credentialing. In this role, you will act as the main point of contact and influencer with MDE’s associates (contract service providers) to manage their experience and provide direction on services at client facilities.

Responsibilities

Serve as MDE’s key contact for associates:

• Recruit, train, and manage new associates as they begin their support of client locations
• Negotiate associate service fees with a win-win mentality – we keep great associates as partners when creating cost-effective value for our clients
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with associates
• Manage associate data points within our CRM system (Salesforce)
• Act as a problem solver with a creative mindset

Act as the bridge between MDE's associates and our Accounts Payable team by assisting with invoicing and any issues that arise relating to fee disputes or negotiation

Collaborate with MDE’s Client Services team to:

• Work with the Client Services team to coordinate special requests for work that falls outside the scope of regular services
• This can include gathering quotes and managing special projects
• Manage field-based MDE Associates who provide service at special client locations, coordinating routing, supply delivery, and quarterly travel to locations within the Midwest.
• This includes coordinating with Account Management to align with client expectations and goals

Provide support and problem-solving on an as-needed basis during occasional on-call shifts.

Skills/Experience

Above all, we’re looking for a relationship builder with proven experience. To us, that means:

• Successful experience in relationship management, or in a procurement/buyer position
• Experience working on vendor pricing and contracts is a plus
• Solid experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and MS Office
• Ability to juggle multiple client projects at a time, while maintaining sharp diligence to due dates and deliverables
• Effectively handle high-pressure situations and support team well-being
• Excellent listening, negotiation, and presentation abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Work Environment

While MDE is based in our Des Moines office, we also believe in the importance of flexibility. Working in a virtual (at-home) environment, MDE will provide the necessary hardware and software. We believe that this flexible working environment allows team members to engage with associates and clients seamlessly. The Vendor Network Manager is responsible for creating a professional office environment and utilizing routine office processes, with effective communication skills, to support internal and external customers.

Benefits and Other Details

MDE is committed to the growth and development of our employees. This position includes health benefits and participation in a Simple IRA plan.