Vendor Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA

Headquartered in the United States, TP-Link Systems Inc. is a global provider of reliable networking devices and smart home products, consistently ranked as the world’s top provider of Wi-Fi devices. The company is committed to delivering innovative products that enhance people’s lives through faster, more reliable connectivity. With a commitment to excellence, TP-Link serves customers in over 170 countries and continues to grow its global footprint.

We believe technology changes the world for the better! At TP-Link Systems Inc, we are committed to crafting dependable, high-performance products to connect users worldwide with the wonders of technology.

Embracing professionalism, innovation, excellence, and simplicity, we aim to assist our clients in achieving remarkable global performance and enable consumers to enjoy a seamless, effortless lifestyle.

Role Summary

TP-Link is seeking an Indirect Procurement Specialist – Software & Vendor Management to support procurement initiatives across software, technology, facilities, warehouse operations, professional services, and other indirect procurement categories.

This role is responsible for managing the full procurement lifecycle, including business requirement gathering, sourcing strategy development, supplier evaluation, RFQ/RFP administration, vendor negotiations, contract coordination, purchase order execution, vendor relationship management, and procurement recommendations.

This role requires demonstrated indirect procurement experience and hands-on experience supporting software, SaaS, technology, or IT-related procurement initiatives. The successful candidate will be comfortable managing procurement projects of varying complexity while partnering with stakeholders across Finance, Operations, Facilities, Warehouse, IT, and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate combines strong indirect procurement expertise, business acumen, negotiation skills, and executive-level communication abilities. This individual must be comfortable presenting sourcing recommendations, leading vendor discussions, and operating independently in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.

Candidates whose experience is primarily focused on direct materials procurement, inventory purchasing, manufacturing sourcing, production planning, material planning, or supply chain planning without substantial indirect procurement responsibilities will not be considered for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end indirect procurement activities across software, technology, facilities, warehouse operations, professional services, and operational business categories
• Partner with stakeholders to understand business requirements, evaluate procurement needs, and develop sourcing strategies
• Conduct supplier sourcing activities, market research, RFQ/RFP processes, bid analysis, and supplier evaluations
• Lead vendor negotiations related to pricing, contract terms, service levels, software licensing agreements, subscriptions, and commercial arrangements
• Prepare sourcing recommendations, vendor comparisons, cost analyses, and business cases for leadership review and decision-making
• Present procurement recommendations, sourcing strategies, and project updates to senior leadership and executive stakeholders
• Support software and technology procurement initiatives, including SaaS platforms, software licensing, subscriptions, cloud-based services, and technology-related vendors
• Manage vendor onboarding activities, compliance documentation, supplier records, and contract administration
• Coordinate procurement activities across Finance, Operations, Facilities, Warehouse, IT, and other internal stakeholders
• Monitor supplier performance, procurement timelines, and project deliverables
• Ensure procurement activities align with company policies, approval workflows, internal controls, and audit requirements
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, vendor performance, cost management, and operational efficiency

Procurement Categories Supported

This role supports a broad range of indirect procurement activities across the organization.

Level 1 – Operational Purchasing

Low-complexity purchases that support day-to-day business operations, including:

• Office supplies and workplace materials
• Employee support and breakroom supplies
• General operational purchasing needs

Level 2 – Project-Based Procurement

Project-driven procurement activities requiring stakeholder collaboration, sourcing, and vendor evaluation, including:

• Furniture and workplace projects
• Facilities services and maintenance vendors
• Electrical, plumbing, cabling, janitorial, and landscaping services
• Warehouse equipment and operational support services
• Operational improvement projects

Activities may include requirements gathering, supplier sourcing, RFQs, quote analysis, supplier evaluations, negotiations, supplier recommendations, and purchase order management.

Level 3 – Strategic Procurement

Complex or high-value procurement initiatives involving:

• Software and SaaS platforms
• Technology systems and software licensing agreements
• Professional services and consulting engagements
• Strategic vendor partnerships
• Specialized service providers

Activities may include vendor demonstrations, contract reviews, commercial negotiations, stakeholder presentations, business case development, and executive-level recommendations.

What Success Looks Like

• Operates effectively in a fast-paced, evolving business environment
• Takes ownership of procurement projects with minimal supervision
• Builds structure and process where needed
• Adapts quickly to changing business priorities and stakeholder needs
• Communicates effectively with vendors, business leaders, and executive stakeholders
• Balances strategic sourcing initiatives with operational procurement responsibilities
• Provides thoughtful recommendations that support business objectives and long-term operational growth

Important Applicant Guidance

This role requires demonstrated indirect procurement experience.

To be considered, candidates should ensure their resume clearly identifies:

• Indirect procurement categories supported
• Software, SaaS, technology, or IT procurement experience
• RFQ/RFP ownership and sourcing initiatives
• Vendor negotiations and contract management
• Executive stakeholder presentations and procurement recommendations
• Procurement project leadership and business impact

Resumes that do not clearly demonstrate indirect procurement experience may not be considered.

Examples of relevant indirect procurement categories include:

• Software and technology procurement
• SaaS licensing and subscription management
• Facilities services and maintenance vendors
• Warehouse operations support and equipment procurement
• Professional and consulting services
• Office and workplace services
• Corporate operational purchasing
• Other non-inventory procurement categories

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 5 years of indirect procurement experience supporting non-inventory procurement categories
• Experience supporting software procurement, SaaS procurement, technology services, software licensing, cloud-based solutions, or related technology vendors
• Experience leading RFQ/RFP processes, supplier evaluations, sourcing projects, and vendor negotiations
• Experience preparing and presenting sourcing recommendations, vendor analyses, business cases, or procurement strategies to leadership teams
• Strong vendor management and stakeholder relationship skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage professionally with executives, vendors, and cross-functional business leaders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Experience with ERP, procurement, purchasing, contract management, or vendor management systems
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-growth, and evolving environment
• Ability to work onsite in Irvine, CA

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting facilities, warehouse, distribution, operations, or corporate procurement categories
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience working within high-growth, entrepreneurial, or rapidly evolving organizations
• Experience developing procurement processes, vendor governance practices, or sourcing frameworks

Salary range: $85K-105K (depending on experience)

• Free snacks and drinks
• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (partial coverage for dependents)
• Contributions to 401k funds
• Bi-annual reviews, and annual pay increases
• Health and wellness benefits, including free gym membership
• Quarterly team-building events

At TP-Link Systems Inc., we are continually searching for ambitious individuals who are passionate about their work. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, collaboration, and drives our entrepreneurial spirit. As a global company, we highly value diverse perspectives and are committed to cultivating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Beyond compliance, we strive to create a supportive and growth-oriented workplace for everyone. If you share our passion and connection to this mission, we welcome you to apply and join us in building a vibrant and inclusive team at TP-Link Systems Inc.

Please, no third-party agency inquiries, and we are unable to offer visa sponsorships at this time.