Vendor Manager

The candidate will be responsible for identifying and onboarding vendors, brands, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers onto the ecommerce platform. The role will also involve recruiting and developing a network of sales agents, distributors, referral partners, and regional business associates to expand the company's market presence and drive business growth.

The ideal candidate should have strong communication, negotiation, relationship-building, and business development skills, with a proven ability to acquire partners and achieve measurable targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Acquisition & Onboarding

• Identify and approach potential vendors, manufacturers, brands, wholesalers, and retailers.
• Build a strong pipeline of prospective vendors across relevant product categories.
• Present the platform, its business model, commercial terms, and partnership benefits.
• Negotiate commissions, pricing, margins, product availability, and other commercial terms.
• Coordinate vendor registration, KYC documentation, agreements, and onboarding.
• Ensure vendors provide accurate product information, pricing, inventory details, and product images.
• Develop long-term vendor relationships to improve retention and marketplace participation.

2. Sales Agent & Distributor Network Development

• Identify, recruit, and onboard independent sales agents, distributors, referral partners, and channel associates.
• Develop regional sales networks to expand the company's reach across cities and territories.
• Establish channel partner engagement plans, incentive structures, and performance targets.
• Build relationships with retailers, local business associations, resellers, and distribution networks.
• Provide sales pitches, product information, onboarding guidance, and promotional materials to channel partners.
• Monitor partner productivity and identify opportunities to increase sales and partner engagement.

3. Business Development & Marketplace Expansion

• Develop and execute strategies for vendor acquisition and channel expansion.
• Identify new markets, product categories, and partnership opportunities.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify business opportunities.
• Build relationships with brands and strategic partners to strengthen marketplace offerings.
• Work closely with marketing, operations, and technology teams to support marketplace growth.
• Recommend improvements to vendor onboarding processes and channel sales strategies.

4. Revenue Generation & Target Achievement

• Achieve monthly and quarterly targets for vendor acquisition and channel partner recruitment.
• Drive measurable business outcomes through active vendor and partner engagement.
• Monitor vendor activation, product listing completion, partner productivity, and sales contribution.
• Identify inactive vendors and channel partners and implement re-engagement strategies.
• Maintain a structured pipeline of prospects, follow-ups, negotiations, and conversions.

5. Reporting & Relationship Management

• Maintain accurate records of vendor leads, partner details, meetings, negotiations, and onboarding status.
• Prepare weekly and monthly business development reports.
• Track KPIs and share progress, challenges, and market insights with management.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, vendor agreements, and approved commercial terms.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• 36 years of experience in business development, vendor acquisition, channel sales, distributor development, or e-commerce partnerships.
• Experience in vendor onboarding, marketplace operations, retail sales, FMCG distribution, or consumer products will be preferred.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities, generate leads, and convert prospects into active partners.
• Understanding of sales channels, distribution models, commission structures, and partnership agreements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, CRM tools, and business reporting.
• Ability to work independently and achieve targets in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Willingness to travel for vendor meetings, partner acquisition, and market development when required.