Assistant Director - Vendor Relations (1302)
BakerRipley, Houston, TX, United States
BakerRipley is one of Texas’ largest and longest‑serving nonprofit organizations, with over 119 years dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for hardworking families. Through education, workforce programs, community centers, and essential services, BakerRipley connects people to the resources they need to build stability, achieve economic mobility, and thrive.
The Assistant Director of Vendor Relations provides strategic and operational leadership for vendor recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and performance across childcare, education, and training provider networks within the Workforce Solutions system. The role strengthens relationships with external vendors and internal partners to ensure high‑quality services aligned with Gulf Coast Workforce Board (GCWB) priorities and high‑demand regional career pathways.
This position oversees a team responsible for vendor governance, issue resolution, and CRM‑based vendor support, ensuring timely responses, accurate documentation, and data‑driven decision‑making. Operating as a strategic connector, the Assistant Director collaborates with Board staff, Career Services, eligibility teams, and community partners to enhance vendor capacity, improve customer experience, and support a coordinated, high‑performing workforce system.
Essential Functions Vendor Recruitment, Performance Management, Governance & Compliance
Oversee vendor recruitment strategies to expand training provider options in high‑demand sectors.
Lead onboarding activities, ensuring vendors receive timely and comprehensive orientation.
Monitor vendor performance, identify risks and opportunities, and implement improvement strategies.
Implement and enforce Board Vendor Network Standards, ensuring vendor alignment with GCWB strategies and requirements.
Conduct scheduled vendor evaluations, monitor compliance, and lead corrective action planning.
CRM System Utilization & Data‑Driven Oversight
Ensure team members use the Workforce Solutions CRM system to document vendor interactions and manage communication workflows.
Analyze CRM‑based vendor data to identify trends, measure responsiveness, and generate performance insights for internal and external stakeholders.
Support the development of vendor‑facing CRM enhancements and feedback processes.
Vendor Communication & Technical Assistance
Ensure timely responses to vendor inquiries using CRM, email/SMS, and phone channels, maintaining a 24‑hour response standard.
Support vendors in understanding and meeting expectations by providing clear guidance on compliance expectations, system processes, and alignment with regional priorities.
System Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate collaboration among Career Offices, eligibility teams, training providers, childcare programs, and other service partners to ensure coordinated service delivery.
Collaborate with Board staff overseeing Career Services, Employer Services, Training/Education, Childcare Services, and Contract Management.
Coordinate with contractors delivering eligibility, career, youth, and employer services to support alignment and mutual accountability.
People Leadership
Supervise vendor relations team of 11, ensuring clarity of expectations and consistent coaching.
Promote professional development through training goals, technology upskilling, and continuous learning.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, relationship‑building, and customer service excellence within the team.
Qualifications Education Bachelor’s in Business, Public Administration, Education, or related field required, Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
3‑5 years in vendor management, compliance, or program oversight in education, training, or workforce programs.
3+ years supervising staff, developing teams, and managing performance preferred.
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The Assistant Director of Vendor Relations provides strategic and operational leadership for vendor recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and performance across childcare, education, and training provider networks within the Workforce Solutions system. The role strengthens relationships with external vendors and internal partners to ensure high‑quality services aligned with Gulf Coast Workforce Board (GCWB) priorities and high‑demand regional career pathways.
This position oversees a team responsible for vendor governance, issue resolution, and CRM‑based vendor support, ensuring timely responses, accurate documentation, and data‑driven decision‑making. Operating as a strategic connector, the Assistant Director collaborates with Board staff, Career Services, eligibility teams, and community partners to enhance vendor capacity, improve customer experience, and support a coordinated, high‑performing workforce system.
Essential Functions Vendor Recruitment, Performance Management, Governance & Compliance
Oversee vendor recruitment strategies to expand training provider options in high‑demand sectors.
Lead onboarding activities, ensuring vendors receive timely and comprehensive orientation.
Monitor vendor performance, identify risks and opportunities, and implement improvement strategies.
Implement and enforce Board Vendor Network Standards, ensuring vendor alignment with GCWB strategies and requirements.
Conduct scheduled vendor evaluations, monitor compliance, and lead corrective action planning.
CRM System Utilization & Data‑Driven Oversight
Ensure team members use the Workforce Solutions CRM system to document vendor interactions and manage communication workflows.
Analyze CRM‑based vendor data to identify trends, measure responsiveness, and generate performance insights for internal and external stakeholders.
Support the development of vendor‑facing CRM enhancements and feedback processes.
Vendor Communication & Technical Assistance
Ensure timely responses to vendor inquiries using CRM, email/SMS, and phone channels, maintaining a 24‑hour response standard.
Support vendors in understanding and meeting expectations by providing clear guidance on compliance expectations, system processes, and alignment with regional priorities.
System Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate collaboration among Career Offices, eligibility teams, training providers, childcare programs, and other service partners to ensure coordinated service delivery.
Collaborate with Board staff overseeing Career Services, Employer Services, Training/Education, Childcare Services, and Contract Management.
Coordinate with contractors delivering eligibility, career, youth, and employer services to support alignment and mutual accountability.
People Leadership
Supervise vendor relations team of 11, ensuring clarity of expectations and consistent coaching.
Promote professional development through training goals, technology upskilling, and continuous learning.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, relationship‑building, and customer service excellence within the team.
Qualifications Education Bachelor’s in Business, Public Administration, Education, or related field required, Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
3‑5 years in vendor management, compliance, or program oversight in education, training, or workforce programs.
3+ years supervising staff, developing teams, and managing performance preferred.
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