Strategic Vendor Relations Manager

Company: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Location: Berkeley
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is seeking a Strategic Vendor Relations Manager to lead critical vendor and acquisition activities for the transformational ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) Project.In this pivotal role, you will drive the strategic management of vendors and post-award procurement activities, ensuring that project acquisitions are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and align with complex project schedules and requirements. Reporting to the ALS-U Project Manager, you will partner closely with technical teams, project managers, vendors, and Berkeley Lab's central procurement organization to manage risks, resolve challenges, and deliver success for a once-in-a-generation scientific infrastructure project.You will lead a team of vendor coordinators and expeditors, develop and implement tracking tools and workflows, and support acquisition planning and quality assurance activities. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape a major scientific project and leave a lasting impact on global research.What You Will Do:Vendor Relations Strategy & Execution

• Lead the development and implementation of strategies to ensure timely and quality delivery of materials and services for the ALS-U Project.
• Create project activity roadmaps, coordinate long-lead procurements, and proactively mitigate supply chain risks.
• Establish and manage tracking tools to monitor vendor performance and ensure timely deliveries.
• Develop and implement vendor management processes, including expediting workflows and issue escalation protocols.
• Support the resolution of complex vendor disputes and contract non-compliance issues while maintaining project momentum.
• Partner with technical staff and project managers to ensure acquisitions meet project and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with the ALS-U Quality Assurance (QA) team to ensure supplier deliverables meet technical and quality specifications.
• Organize and attend vendor meetings and site visits as needed to address and resolve issues.
• Ensure compliance with DOE regulations and Berkeley Lab policies while optimizing efficiency.Project Activity Operations & Compliance
• Lead and mentor the vendor management coordination team.
• Oversee pre-award preparation, ensuring technical teams deliver high-quality documentation for contract awards.
• Establish performance dashboards and tracking tools, including earned value management (EVM) metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data analytics and team feedback to enhance cost-efficiency and delivery timelines.
• Ensure compliance with DOE Order 413.3B project activity requirements.Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting
• Work closely with ALS-U leadership, engineering teams, logistics personnel, and the Laboratory Procurement Department to streamline workflows.
• Prepare and present performance reports, dashboards, and project updates for internal and external reviews.
• Participate in project management meetings, external audits, and project reviews.
• Capture and document lessons learned, and integrate best practices across the ALS-U Project team.What is Required:
• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, plus at least 10 years of experience in vendor relations, contract management, or supply chain operations within complex technical projects.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing large, multi-year programs with significant vendor interaction, contract administration, and risk management responsibilities.
• Expertise in working within highly regulated environments, such as DOE national laboratories, government agencies, or major research institutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of implementing process improvements to drive efficiency and cost savings.
• Knowledge of tracking tools, Earned Value Management (EVM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and with international vendors.
• Ability to perform under pressure, navigating supply chain crises and project deadline challenges with calm leadership.Desired Qualifications:
• An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience managing DOE capital asset projects in accordance with DOE Order 413.3B.
• Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
• Familiarity with software such as Oracle ERP, Primavera P6, or similar systems.
• Experience supporting major scientific facilities (particle accelerators, beamline systems, or comparable infrastructure).Notes:
• This is a full time 2-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position is expected to pay $165,036.00-$206,292.00, which fits within the full salary range of $165,036.00-$278,496.00 for the Z10.4 job code. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.govBerkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
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