Strategic Relationship Mgr., 2

The purpose of the Strategic Relationship Mgr. 2 (SRM 2) is to be a seasoned and experienced senior professional that optimizes the value of and manages the relationships between one or more Church departments or organizations and preferred suppliers and vendors.

The SRM 2 provides advanced, specialized, and senior-level experience to Church and department leaders during vendor negotiations for strategic and enterprise-wide purchases and supply-chain decisions.

Become a negotiating partner with the employer that helps bridge employer needs and

supplier qualifications when making significant and strategic supply-chain decisions; leverage the global Church enterprise expenditures to qualify, select, and establish legal contracts with the best possible vendors of products and services at the best value for the Church. Ensure supplier performance of contracted terms and conditions. Understand and articulate customer and internal partner needs: document, design solutions for, and ensure that both product and service needs of sponsoring

organizations are satisfied at the best possible value; interact with vendors, consultants and professional groups; serve as a product and service industry authority

The primary areas of responsibility include farming, ranching, and orchard, supplied equipment, complete acquisition and management of this equipment. This includes agriculture, landscaping, small construction, and irrigation equipment, seed, fertilizer, and other farm supplies. Additionally, working with farms and food producers to create valuable outlets for production. This is a true relationship management and program creation position partnering across multiple Church entities.

Specific relationship management duties include the following:

• Serve as a strategic negotiating partner able to finalize agreements aligning organizational needs with supplier capabilities to support critical supply-chain decisions.

• Oversee supplier adherence to established terms and conditions, ensuring consistent performance across contractual obligations.

• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality concerns and business-related challenges through both proactive and reactive engagement and problem-solving.

• Create multi-party business alignment solutions and lead uniquely structured procurement arrangements to execute these solutions.

• Deep integration with internal partners to accurately anticipate, identify, and communicate their needs, facilitating seamless integration between procurement and service delivery.

• Improves processes, helps others adopt change, and persists through implementation challenges

• Balances value, risk, service, and stewardship while building trust and alignment with farm managers and equipment providers.

• Learns quickly, makes sound decisions with incomplete information, and adjusts as requirements evolve

• Uses AI and automation productively, validates outputs, and applies responsible-use principles

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 7 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience requires
• Requires in-depth supply-chain knowledge and experience and experience in supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, outsourcing or procurement operations management
• Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services
• Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions
• Works independently; receives minimal guidance.
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may direct the work of other staff members
• Seasoned interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate with both internal and external stakeholders
• Solid communication and presentation skills are required
• Willing to travel (up to 20 % domestic and international travel for up to 2 weeks at a time)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters of Business Administration, Juris Doctorate, or other advanced degree; CPM or CPSM certification.
• Specific experience in farm management or farm equipment and supplies categories.