Strategic Partnerships & Vendor Relations Manager

At Stride, we partner with foundations and not-for-profits to raise critical funds through professionally managed lottery programs. Our work generates millions annually for healthcare, research and community services across Canada. Through strategic insight and operational excellence, we help clients deliver meaningful results for Canadians.

The Strategic Partnerships & Vendor Relations Manager builds and manages the vendor, affiliate and strategic partnerships supporting Stride’s lottery programs and operations. This role leads relationships, sources prizes, develops consumer experiences and secures high-value partnerships for leading Canadian lotteries.

The role focuses on sourcing and negotiating prizes and related partnerships, from homes, vehicles and travel to electronics, services, entertainment and lifestyle products. The successful candidate will understand consumer trends and translate them into compelling prize opportunities that strengthen each lottery program.

This commercially focused, relationship-driven role involves developing national brand relationships, negotiating high-value prizes, reviewing agreements and identifying new opportunities. The role will strengthen Stride’s competitive advantage in prizing and partnership strategy and procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Prize Sourcing & Procurement

• Build and maintain a network of suppliers, brands, retailers, manufacturers, service providers and other prize partners.

• Source and negotiate prizes across homes, vehicles, travel, electronics, appliances, lifestyle, services, entertainment and experiences.

• Research consumer trends and emerging categories to identify relevant, desirable and commercially attractive prizes.

• Develop acquisition strategies using negotiated pricing, sponsorships, partnerships, value-in-kind arrangements and other cost-effective structures.

• Work with Lottery Delivery, Marketing, Finance, PMO and client teams to ensure opportunities are viable, practical and aligned with program needs.

• Maintain an active pipeline of prospective suppliers and partnership opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships & Affiliates

• Identify and develop partnerships that enhance lottery programs, engage consumers and create commercial opportunities.

• Build relationships with endorsement partners, including brands, personalities, athletes, entertainers, influencers and other relevant partners.

• Pursue co-marketing, sponsorship, promotional, affiliate and other mutually beneficial relationships.

• Represent Stride professionally and build lasting relationships beyond individual campaigns.

• Understand partner objectives and identify mutual value through Stride’s lottery programs.

• Proactively present new ideas and opportunities to internal teams and clients.

Vendor Relationship Management

• Manage vendor and affiliate relationships, set expectations, communicate regularly and ensure delivery against commitments.

• Develop long-term relationships that position Stride as a trusted, preferred partner.

• Monitor performance, pricing, service levels, deliverables and obligations, addressing issues proactively.

• Work cross-functionally to support operational, financial and service requirements.

• Contract Management & Commercial Negotiation

• Manage Stride’s vendor contract portfolio and lead commercial relationship and contract discussions.

• Review agreements for opportunities to improve pricing, terms, service levels, flexibility and value.

• Lead renewals and renegotiations that deliver value while sustaining strong vendor relationships.

• Develop negotiation strategies based on market conditions, performance, purchasing volume and relationship value.

• Identify opportunities to consolidate spend, increase leverage, reduce costs and improve commercial terms.

• Partner with Finance, IT, Operations and other stakeholders to address commercial, operational, regulatory, privacy and security requirements.

• Maintain contract records and actively manage obligations, renewal dates and commitments.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Business, Commerce, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• 6+ years of progressive experience in strategic partnerships, procurement, vendor management, business development, account management, sponsorships or a related commercial role.

• Experience sourcing and negotiating products, services, sponsorships or commercial arrangements from outreach through agreement.

• Experience managing vendors, suppliers, affiliates, brands and strategic partners across multiple categories.

• Success negotiating agreements involving pricing, margins, value-in-kind, sponsorships, volume pricing and other partnership models.

• Experience developing opportunities through research, networking, industry relationships and proactive outreach.

• Experience with consumer brands, retail, manufacturing, travel, automotive, hospitality, entertainment, technology or related organizations is an asset.

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including evaluating costs, value, pricing, business cases and commercial returns.

• Ability to manage multiple negotiations, contracts, vendors and projects with strong attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint, and contract, procurement, CRM or vendor management systems.

• Experience in lottery, gaming, entertainment, sponsorship, advertising, retail, consumer marketing or another partnership-driven industry is an asset.

Find Your Freedom at Stride:

At Stride, we support our team as valued members and offer:

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion throughout the employee journey,

• Employee Assistance Program with counselling and coaching,

• Talent, career and skills development,

• Health & Wellbeing activities,

Candidates offered a position must complete pre-employment checks

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