Program Manager - Vendor Management

Role Overview We are looking for a proactive Vendor Manager / Assistant Program Manager to drive third-party logistics (3PL) and vendor operations. In this role, you will own the end-to-end vendor lifecycle—converting ground-sourced leads into active platform partners, managing day-to-day capacity and payout reconciliations, and tracking delivery performance. You will serve as a key bridge between operational demand and vendor partners to scale platform supply and hit business goals. Key Responsibilities Vendor Sourcing, Conversion & Onboarding
- Lead Conversion: Connect with potential vendor leads identified by ground field teams, convert them into platform partners, and manage their end-to-end onboarding.
- Pipeline Sourcing: Proactively search for and engage new local 3PL vendors, courier groups, and service providers to build supply capacity.
- Contracting: Negotiate commercial terms, payment structures, and baseline service level agreements (SLAs) with Legal and Finance alignment.
Operational Management & Supply Balance
- Demand-Supply Alignment: Actively manage existing vendors to align day-to-day courier/driver supply with platform demand, preventing supply shortages.
- Payout Operations: Oversee vendor billing, handle payout queries, reconcile disputes, and ensure timely invoicing with internal Finance teams.
- Capacity Planning: Work closely with City Operations to map out coverage needs across key target zones.
Performance & Escalation Management
- KPI Tracking: Monitor key metrics including Turnaround Time (TAT), fulfillment rates, quality compliance, and error rates.
- Escalation Point: Serve as the main point of contact to resolve field issues, payout errors, or delivery failures promptly.
- Governance Reviews: Conduct regular feedback sessions with vendors to track performance and implement corrective action plans for operational gaps.
Cross-Functional Execution
- Work alongside Operations, Finance, and Tech/Product teams to streamline logistics workflows.
- Maintain clear tracking sheets, partner status reports, and operational dashboards.
- Stay agile to handle evolving operational challenges and stretch tasks needed to achieve overall growth targets.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: 1+ years of experience in vendor management, 3PL logistics, on-demand platforms, quick-commerce, or channel management in India.
- Execution & Conversion: Strong communication and negotiation skills to convert leads and manage vendor expectations.
- Data Skills: Proficient in Excel/Google Sheets for tracking performance data and financial payouts (experience using AI tools for analytics is a plus).
- Adaptability: High ownership mindset, proactive problem-solver, and comfortable taking on diverse operational tasks to drive business results.