Senior Manager of Supplier Partnerships

Access Your Potential.
Join us to create and deliver experiences that inspire people, spark connection, and bring imagination to life—while having a lot of fun doing it.

We’re looking for a Senior Manager of Supplier Partnerships to join our remote, nationwide team. This role supports all territories across the U.S. and may include occasional travel.

About the Job
The Senior Manager of Supplier Partnerships will play a key role in evolving our supplier engagement strategy by executing initiatives that strengthen relationships, drive value, and support our company’s growth objectives.

This role will help operationalize our supplier partnership program, optimize vendor performance, and ensure consistency in how we engage suppliers across markets. The role involves strong collaboration and communication, building connections, solving problems, and improving processes that elevate both Access and our partners.

What You'll Do
Supplier Partnership Program Management

• Support the rollout and ongoing management of Access’s tiered supplier partnership program (Partner, Preferred Supplier, and Approved Vendor).

• Create a recognition system for top-performing suppliers, including quarterly awards and marketing campaigns that highlight their contributions.

• Maintain accurate supplier data, contracts, and program participation records.

Supplier Network Analysis

• Partner with the Director of Development & Growth to analyze supplier performance, pricing, and geographic coverage.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings, improved service levels, and new partnerships in key markets.

• Track and report supplier metrics and outcomes to support executive decision-making.

• Ensure all suppliers meet rigorous standards, including insurance requirements, risk management, and service capabilities.

Negotiation & Cost Optimization Support

• Assist in negotiation preparation and data collection for key supplier categories.

• Provide regional teams with tools, templates, and guidance to help secure preferential pricing and consistent service.

• Support tracking and reporting of cost savings and partnership value across markets.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for mid- to high-value suppliers, ensuring consistent communication and feedback loops.

• Coordinate quarterly supplier updates, recognition spotlights, and partnership communications.
  Support supplier participation in marketing initiatives, campaigns, and internal events.

Collaboration & Team Enablement

• Partner with creative, sales, and operations teams to align supplier partnerships with client needs and program demands.

• Train and empower regional teams to effectively manage supplier relationships and execute the supplier partnership program.

• Assist in maintaining and training of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for supplier management and partnership engagement.

Vendor Referral Program Oversight

• Manage data tracking and reporting for Access’s Vendor Referral Program, increasing supplier loyalty through direct business opportunities and visibility.

• Monitor referral activity, conversion rates, and client satisfaction to measure program effectiveness and supplier performance.

• Partner with the Director of Development & Growth to identify trends, strengthen supplier accountability, and ensure high-quality client experiences.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful rollout, training, and consistent adoption of the tiered supplier partnership program across all markets within set timelines.

• A consistent, well-structured recognition program celebrates top-performing suppliers quarterly, driving increased engagement, loyalty, and partnership value.

• Marketing campaigns amplify supplier achievements, strengthening brand perception and reinforcing Access’s reputation as a collaborative, trusted partner.

• Supplier performance data is consistently tracked, analyzed, and translated into actionable insights that drive measurable improvements in quality, responsiveness, reliability, and compliance.

• Documented year-over-year cost savings, preferential pricing agreements, and added-value outcomes resulting from enhanced supplier partnerships.

• Annual supplier discounts, comps, and rebates are strategically managed to maximize value and reduce costs for FAMs and internal events.

• Positive feedback from local teams on supplier alignment with program and client needs.

• The supplier onboarding program is structured to support long-term relationship success, ensuring new partners align with Access’s standards and strategic growth initiatives.

• Growth in Vendor Referral Program participation and conversion rates, contributing to measurable business opportunities and client satisfaction.

• Demonstrated improvements in supplier engagement processes, reducing turnaround times, and increasing efficiency in communications and reporting.

About Access
Access is a women-owned and women-led destination management company that collaborates with clients to design and execute corporate events and programs. Our expert teams are in coast-to-coast destinations, designing and producing ultimate experiences for our clients.

About You
We know that there’s no one in the world like you. And we know that you have a lot to offer the next company you work with. Below is a list of “nice-to-haves”, but don’t let those deter you from applying. Access believes that an inclusive team and culture is important. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Nice-to-haves:

• 4–6 years of experience in event planning, supplier relations, procurement, or account management.

• Strong relationship management and negotiation support skills.

• Solid financial awareness with the ability to interpret budgets and track performance data.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to collaborate cross-functionally.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.

• Familiarity with supplier diversity and sustainability initiatives preferred.

• Proactive mindset and passion for partnership-building.

Why Access?
CULTURE & EXTRAS

• Certified as a Great Place To Work – 2 years in a row!

• 50+ years in the industry!

• Women-owned and women-led

• Fun, creative, and supportive culture

• Focus on recognition and employee value – including annual and quarterly awards

• Paid day off to serve your local community

• Annual all-company retreat to connect, learn, and have fun together

• Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)

• Regional team outings

• Monthly companywide meetings to connect, learn, and celebrate wins

COMPENSATION

• Highly competitive total compensation, including strong base salary and quarterly bonuses

• Very strong performance-based quarterly commission plans

• 401k with company match (eligible after 1 year – up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately

• Monthly cell phone stipend

WORK LIFE BALANCE

• Work from home opportunities and flexibility (including full home office setup)

• Flexible schedule opportunities

• Generous PTO

• Sick days

• 9 full holidays

• 5 half days off prior to holidays to unplug early

• 2 floating holidays off to be used on holidays of your choice

• ½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND FAMILY

• Extensive menu of health plans to choose from

• Paid parental leave

• Pet insurance program

• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Mentorship program

• “Masterclasses” in industry/department-specific topics

• State-of-the-art technology platforms and tools – including training

• Annual and monthly meeting content that focuses on professional development

What are you waiting for? Scroll back to the top and apply!

Access is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@accessdmc.com.