Vendor Partnership Manager (Minnesota)

4MATIV Technologies manages multi-modal mobility for school systems nationwide with technology to expand options and enhance service. We envision a future where all children have access to the learning opportunities that maximize their potential, and we are reimagining transportation to accelerate student outcomes. 

We partner with schools to improve service, safety, and holistic sustainability, ensuring all students have access to the right ride. Currently, we manage transportation for over 50 school districts across cities including Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Phoenix, simplifying operations and expanding services for families. Every school day, 4MATIV manages outsourced vendors and operates a contact center supporting more than 22,000 student trips across over 1,000 routes for schools across the country.

Our team is committed to:

• Working shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients as a mission-aligned and trusted partner
• Building user-centered products to create lasting impact for districts and students
• Valuing diversity of perspectives and experiences
• Care for every detail and outcome
• Highest standards of service and safety
• Constant learning and improvement

4MATIV’s ability to deliver high-quality transportation solutions depends on a strong and reliable network of vendor partners. As demand for services continues to grow, expanding and strengthening this network is a key priority.

The Vendor Partnership Manager will play a critical role in sourcing, developing, and onboarding new vendor partners across target markets. This role is focused on building relationships, identifying opportunities for network expansion, and ensuring that new vendors are aligned with 4MATIV’s standards and expectations.

This position offers the opportunity to directly impact 4MATIV’s growth by shaping the vendor network that supports service delivery. The ideal candidate is a strong relationship builder with a business development mindset, who is comfortable navigating new markets, engaging with partners, brainstorming new technical and operational solutions, and contributing to long-term vendor strategy.

The Vendor Management function operates as an integrated system, with distinct but complementary roles across vendor sourcing, compliance, field response, and strategic oversight.

This role works in close partnership with Vendor Management team members, as well as Accounts, Finance, Product, and Operations, to ensure vendors are effectively sourced, onboarded, supported, monitored, and held accountable. The role also helps to surface vendor needs and helps to identify solutions 4MATIV could offer to vendor partners, including designing and implementing vendor offerings that drive improved rates, stronger performance, and scalable network growth. Together, these functions support safe, reliable service delivery while maintaining clear ownership across vendor strategy, execution support, and financial alignment.

• Minneapolis / St. Paul Metro Area
• Hybrid: Primarily remote with regular on-site responsibilities at school locations and bus yards

Vendor Strategy & Partner Offerings

• Define and evolve 4MATIV’s vendor value proposition, identifying ways to better support vendor partners and differentiate 4MATIV in the market
• Identify vendor needs and pain points across markets and translate insights into scalable offerings (e.g., compliance support, technology, operational tools)
• Support development and rollout of vendor offerings and strategic partnerships (e.g., insurance, compliance systems), driving adoption across the network
• Leverage vendor offerings and partnerships to improve rate competitiveness, strengthen vendor economics, and enhance overall unit economics.

Vendor Sourcing & Market Development

• Identify and recruit transportation vendors aligned with 4MATIV’s service, compliance, and pricing expectations
• Build and manage a pipeline of qualified vendor partners across target markets
• Conduct outreach, negotiations, and early-stage relationship development
• Partner with internal teams to align vendor supply with demand needs

Vendor Evaluation & Readiness

• Assess vendor capabilities, capacity, and fit within 4MATIV’s network
• Ensure vendors understand operational expectations, compliance requirements, and accountability standards prior to onboarding
• Partner with Compliance & Performance Manager to transition vendors through onboarding

Contract & Expectation Alignment

• Support initial rate discussions and expectation setting within defined frameworks
• Reinforce clarity around service standards, tracking requirements, and contractual obligations
• Escalate non-standard requests or risks to VP, Vendor Strategy & Services

Relationship Management & Retention

• Build strong, long-term relationships with vendor partners
• Maintain regular communication to ensure alignment and engagement
• Surface market insights, risks, and opportunities to leadership

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3–6 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or sales
• Experience sourcing, evaluating, or onboarding external partners or vendors
• Preferred: Experience working in transportation, logistics, or service-based industries

• Proficiency in CRM tools or pipeline tracking systems
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to analyze market conditions and identify opportunities
• Familiarity with contract basics and rate negotiation
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or similar tools

• Business Development & Market Expansion – Identifies, evaluates, and secures new vendor partners aligned with company needs and standards
• Relationship Building & Influence – Establishes trust quickly and manages ongoing partner relationships with credibility and clarity
• Negotiation & Expectation Setting – Navigates rate discussions and sets clear expectations within defined frameworks
• Market Awareness & Insight Generation – Surfaces trends, risks, and opportunities across markets to inform vendor strategy
• Adaptability & Mobility – Operates effectively across geographies, markets, and environments with a high degree of flexibility

Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000, per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Salary : $65 - $85