Hybrid Vendor Relations Manager at Independent Living Systems

We are seeking a Vendor Relations Manager to join our team at Independent Living Systems (ILS). ILS, along with its affiliated health plans known as Florida Community Care and Florida Complete Care, is committed to promoting a higher quality of life and maximizing independence for all vulnerable populations.

About the Role:

The Vendor Relations Manager in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining strong, productive partnerships with external vendors and service providers. This position is responsible for ensuring that all vendor interactions align with organizational goals, compliance standards, and quality expectations to support seamless healthcare delivery. The manager will oversee contract negotiations, performance evaluations, and issue resolution to optimize vendor contributions and mitigate risks. By fostering collaborative relationships, the role directly impacts operational efficiency, cost management, and service quality within the healthcare environment. Ultimately, the Vendor Relations Manager ensures that vendor partnerships contribute positively to patient care outcomes and organizational success.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Management, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in vendor management or procurement.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare industry regulations, compliance standards, and vendor management best practices.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and vendor performance evaluation.
• Relevant experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience in the healthcare industry.
• Certification in vendor management or procurement.
• Experience with vendor management software.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with healthcare vendors and suppliers to ensure high-quality service delivery and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements to achieve cost-effective and value-driven partnerships.
• Monitor vendor performance through regular assessments, audits, and feedback mechanisms to ensure adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as procurement, legal, and clinical teams to align vendor services with organizational needs and compliance requirements.
• Resolve vendor-related issues promptly and effectively to minimize disruptions in healthcare operations and maintain positive working relationships.