Strategic Vendor Manager

About the role

The Strategic Vendor Manager is a key commercial role within the Commercial team at Mumzworld, the leading mother, baby and child e-commerce platform in the GCC. You own and grow a portfolio of the company's most important vendor partnerships, driving revenue, margin and long-term partnership value. You work closely with Category, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Tech to align each strategic vendor with the company's growth objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Own and manage a portfolio of strategic vendors, driving revenue growth, margin improvement and long-term partnership value.
• Develop joint business plans with key vendors covering growth, range, availability, promotions and investment, and track delivery against them.
• Monitor vendor performance against KPIs such as sales, margin, availability and SLAs, hold regular business reviews and address underperformance early.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, margins, trading terms, promotions, exclusivity and marketing investment.
• Grow incremental revenue through vendor-funded initiatives, on-site placements and marketing partnerships, and direct vendor investment toward the highest returns.
• Work with Category, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Tech to deliver plans, terms and commitments consistently.
• Support campaign planning, seasonal moments and promotional calendars, and secure vendor support for major sale events.
• Onboard new vendors, products and initiatives on time and to standard, and coordinate smooth launches.
• Own inventory health for the vendor portfolio: set stock levels, monitor stock cover, out-of-stocks and slow-moving stock, and agree corrective actions such as replenishment changes, returns, markdown funding or stock rotation.
• Analyze vendor performance data, prepare regular performance reviews and report key information, risks and results to the Manager.
• Act as the primary contact for assigned vendors, build long-term relationships with senior vendor stakeholders and proactively solve performance, supply and execution issues.

Required profile

• 4-7 years of experience in vendor management, account management, category management, buying or similar commercial roles.
• Experience in e-commerce, retail, FMCG, consumer goods or marketplace environments; knowledge of the mother, baby and child category and the GCC market is a strong advantage.
• Proven track record of managing and growing vendor or brand relationships, leading commercial negotiations and building joint business plans.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Marketing or a related field.

Required skills

• Data-oriented and analytical, with strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Ability to build clear performance reviews and presentations for internal and vendor audiences.
• Strong commercial, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.