Director Vendor Management

Position Overview

The Director of Vendor Management is accountable for managing relationships with Burlington’s merchandise vendors and Merchant teams. This role represents Burlington as a key point of contact for operational assistance, including facilitating vendor onboarding, troubleshooting performance opportunities and conveying best practices to suppliers. The individual leads a team consisting of managers, supervisors and front‑line contributors, and ensures that all departmental procedures and SLAs are fully documented, maintained and followed.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Successfully drives business results through positive, influential leadership by demonstrating high professional and personal standards.
• Identifies and resolves challenges in a proactive and decisive manner.
• Creates an environment where people are encouraged to reach their full potential.
• Coaches in the moment, engages and develops associates.
• Recognizes and rewards the successes of others.
• Attracts, identifies, develops and retains the next generation of leaders.
• Advocates change through proactive process adjustments and continuous partnership with cross‑functional teams.
• Empowers the leadership team to make decisions and drives engagement to support team and organizational goals.
• Acts as a leader among peers and drives cross‑functional projects.
• Develops strategic vision and makes critical decisions.

Relationship Management

• Initiates and leads virtual and in‑person meetings with vendors (domestic, international, agents and factories); supports buyers’ vendor meetings to address and resolve issues.
• Attends trade shows and visits vendors in NY, CA and NJ markets to represent Burlington at industry events.
• Collaborates with cross‑functional partners to support vendor compliance and communication initiatives, reinforcing supply chain standards and processes with the vendor community.
• Partners with legal, supply chain, buying and finance teams to resolve disputes related to vendor agreements.
• Maintains a network of internal and external contacts to foster partnership and drive results.

Business Acumen

• Recognized as a subject‑matter expert in departmental processes, tools, and integration points that support the business model.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of cross‑functional business processes to quantify benefits and prioritize team projects, aligning with company goals and priorities.
• Displays an entrepreneurial spirit by generating ideas, insights and solutions using analytical reasoning; anticipates issues and develops appropriate solutions.
• Engages team leaders regularly on project statuses, deadline readiness and risk factors; addresses potential roadblocks and develops solutions to avoid missed targets and project failures.
• Leads change management initiatives for team members and business stakeholders, clarifying how change impacts the company and seeking buy‑in from the team for new projects and processes.

Analysis

• Analyzes vendor performance data, develops recommendations to improve accuracy and presents findings to vendors and merchants.
• Identifies process improvement opportunities for the team and provides guidance on implementation.
• Provides consulting on role adjustments and updates to team workflows for evolving responsibilities.
• Oversees publication of reports to advise internal stakeholders on daily work status and special projects.
• Reviews updates to policies, standards and procedures related to Vendor Management prior to publication.

Operational Excellence & Driving Change

• Researches, analyzes, develops and manages special projects; provides regular status reports to senior leadership, highlights potential issues and recommends relevant changes to SOPs and SLAs.
• Manages and provides insight on strategic programs supporting the 2.5 initiatives, working with third‑party partners to develop and enhance the vendor portal.
• Aligns with merchandising senior leadership to establish sustainable standards of practice; updates and maintains all vendor‑facing documents and manuals accordingly.
• Continuously works with and influences internal and external partners to drive efficiency and simplify processes, ensuring Burlington remains the retailer of choice for vendors.
• Collaborates with peers to develop and implement standardized best practices related to vendor onboarding, performance and relations.
• Develops and drives the strategy of the Vendor Management team in support of enterprise goals.
• Identifies, develops and monitors standardized communication processes.
• Leads cross‑functional special projects.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a business discipline, preferably Supply Chain, Logistics or Retail Buying.

Experience

Minimum 10 years of management experience in domestic or international Vendor Management. Demonstrated progressive responsibility in supply chain, retail or international logistics fields. Expert knowledge of vendor relations, finance and supply chain procedures, with extensive experience implementing process improvements in a fast‑paced, dynamic retail environment. Proven success in developing and leading high‑service support teams.

Skills and Abilities

• Strategically astute and forward‑looking.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to think strategically.
• Proficient with MS Office suite and vendor support platforms.
• Inspires confidence, communicates effectively with vendors, buyers and cross‑functional partners.
• Strong track record of people leadership: attracting, developing, motivating and retaining industry-leading talent.
• Highest personal and professional integrity.
• Accountable for key results and deliverables.
• Self‑confident in managing business issues, resolving conflict and facilitating outcomes.
• Focuses on priorities and manages multiple tasks and projects under deadlines.
• Customer‑focused with a strong sense of urgency.
• Influences cross‑functionally and manages complex vendor situations.
• Data, process and results driven.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• High energy and enthusiasm; passionate about helping others and solving problems.

Travel

Periodic travel required, including vendor onsite visits, corporate offices in CA, NY and NJ, DC facilities, industry conferences and trade shows.

Benefits

Competitive wages, flexible hours and associate discount. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage with life and disability insurance. Full‑time associates receive paid time off, paid holidays and a 401(k) plan. Burlington offers training and development opportunities for career growth.

Min‑Mid Salary: $135,000.00 – $175,000.00

Posting Number: R

Location: New Jersey – Burlington

Address: 2006 Route 130 North

Zip Code: 08016

Pay Rate: Salaried

Career Site Category: Corporate

Position Category: Planning and Allocation

Job Type: Full‑Time

Remote Type: Hybrid

Evergreen: No