Vendor Relations Manager

Job Overview

The

Vendor Relations Manager, leads risk mitigation and claims management efforts for managed properties, with a mission to enhance safety, reduce losses, and streamline insurance claims and periods of restoration for our condominium and commercial clients. In this highly visible role, you will design and execute a comprehensive risk management program in collaboration with our strategic restoration partner, First Onsite, to reduce the frequency and severity of property losses.

Success in this position means safer communities, faster recovery from incidents, and improved insurance outcomes – ultimately delivering peace of mind to our boards and residents.

You will serve as the trusted risk reduction advisor to our property management teams and clients, providing expert guidance on loss prevention best practices, coordinating lunch and learn training sessions, pre-loss risk assessments, and acting as an advocate for our clients during the claims process. In this role, you will act as a key point of connection between First Onsite and the communities we serve, fostering strong, collaborative partnerships that support effective communication and seamless service delivery during property loss events.

Over time, your efforts will help lower insurance costs (through reduced claims and premiums) and drive higher satisfaction by minimizing disruptions. This role requires a proactive leader with knowledge of property management and outstanding people skills to influence and educate stakeholders at all levels.

The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned to every duty.

• Program Development and Execution:
  Develop and implement a structured risk management program for our managed communities. Identify key risk areas (fire/water damage, safety and liability exposures) and devise strategies and processes to mitigate them, leveraging First Onsite and internal resources.
• Partnership Management:
  Act as the primary liaison between our organization, our clients, and First Onsite (our disaster restoration partner) for all matters related to property restoration and repair. Cultivate a strong relationship built on trust and aligned goals: industry leading response times, priority access to resources and equipment during catastrophic events, precise cost estimates, clear communication and daily reporting on jobs, and accurate, transparent invoices.
  
  Coordinate closely with First Onsite’s team before, during and after losses to ensure seamless service.
• Prevention and Preparedness:
  Manage educational campaigns and social events with our property managers, regional directors and the local First Onsite team to educate our teams on preparedness and prevention. Initiate pre-loss risk assessments k with First Onsite and sited teams to conduct inspections, identify vulnerabilities and recommend best practices. Champion proactive measures like emergency response plans, maintenance check lists and recurring resident education campaigns.
• Stakeholder Communication and
  
  Education:
  
  Communicate regularly with boards, residents, and property management teams about the risk management program and ongoing initiatives. Translate technical insurance and risk concepts into clear messages, outlining the practical benefits. Facilitate educational sessions (lunch and learns, workshops, virtual meetings) to promote awareness and adoption of best practices.
• Relationship Building:
  Establish strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Internally, work closely with VPs, Regional Directors, Community…