Sourcing and Vendor Manager

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** At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.
** Sourcing and Vendor Manager The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities.

Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region.

For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website ffman.org.
** RESPONSIBILITIES
* * The Sourcing and Vendor Manager serves as a strategic partner to teams across the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, supporting mission-driven work through collaborative, transparent, and relationship-centered sourcing practices. Reporting to the CFO, this role works closely across all teams to ensure vendor partnerships reflect the Foundation’s values and business needs. The Manager supports teams in securing high-quality partners that align with the Foundation’s mission by providing expertise in sourcing strategies, vendor relationships, and procurement processes that strengthen operational capacity and cross-functional effectiveness.

This role serves as the central point of contact for vendor evaluation, selection and onboarding activities.
* Specific

Responsibilities Include:

* Core Partnership Responsibilities
* Act as a trusted sourcing advisor to teams across the Foundation, helping them articulate needs, design procurement pathways, and identify vendors who can best support their work.
* Provide early consultation on projects requiring external expertise or services, ensuring teams receive guidance tailored to their goals.
* Support teams in developing scopes of work that set clear expectations for both staff and vendor partners.

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
* Develop sourcing strategies that reflect cross-departmental goals, timelines, and mission alignment.
* Conduct market research and engage vendor networks to support the diverse needs of Foundation teams.
* Partner with Managing Associates (business owners) to lead competitive procurement processes (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs) in ways that create clarity, reduce staff workload, and enable efficient vendor participation.
* Help internal teams interpret vendor proposals and weigh cost, quality, experience, and alignment.

Vendor Evaluation & Selection
* Facilitate evaluation teams drawn from relevant departments to lead vendor due diligence.
* Provide coaching on evaluation criteria, scoring practices, and responsible decision making.
* Ensure clear documentation so that Managing Associates feel supported and informed throughout the vendor selection process.

Contracting & Negotiating
* Partner closely with Managing Associates and support teams to ensure contracts reflect shared goals and reduce administrative burden.
* Lead or support negotiations that prioritize mutual benefit, clarity, and long-term success.
* Ensure cross-functional alignment around deliverables, compliance expectations, and communication protocols.

Vendor Relationship & Performance Management
* Partner with internal teams to onboard vendors effectively, ensuring clarity around roles, responsibilities, communication norms, and deliverables.
* Support teams in maintaining strong vendor relationships through regular check-ins and…