Blue River PetCare

Lead strategic vendor partnerships and procurement efficiency across hospitals to deliver financial and operational value. | Requires 4-6 years procurement/vendor management experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and a bachelor's degree. | This team member must be located within 40 miles of the Blue River PetCare corporate office (1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606) to work a hybrid schedule. The Vendor Services and Procurement Manager is an integral part of the Company’s Operations team. This position leads strategic vendor partnerships, drives procurement efficiency across all hospitals, and ensures vendor programs deliver measurable financial and operational value. The role supports new acquisition integrations, manages rebate and pricing programs, and partners closely with Operations, Finance, and Clinical teams to standardize and elevate procurement practices across the Organization. Essential Duties And Responsibilities • Develop, maintain, and optimize strategic partnerships with manufacturers, distributors, and service providers • Monitor vendor performance for compliance, service quality, and adherence to contract terms • Lead quarterly business reviews with key suppliers and escalate performance issues • Serve as primary liaison between vendors and internal teams to resolve issues, improve workflows, and enhance service delivery • Develop and execute procurement strategies supporting cost savings, vendor consolidation, and product standardization across hospitals • Oversee pricing accuracy and conduct audits within procurement platform for contract compliance • Support clinics in optimizing inventory management, equipment procurement, online pharmacy use • Manage supplier rebate/discount programs ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and reconciliation • Conduct spend analysis and provide leadership with insights to guide purchasing decisions and vendor alignment • Ensure new practices transition to preferred vendors, pricing structures, and procurement workflows • Coordinate with Operations/IT/Finance to ensure seamless vendor account setup and data accuracy • Support vendor services initiatives, technology enhancements, and enterprise procurement projects • Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned • Provide training and support to hospital teams on procurement tools and vendor programs Requirements Basic Qualifications: • 4–6 years of experience in procurement, vendor management, supply chain, or related field • Experience in veterinary, medical, or similar industry with rebate-heavy supplier programs strongly preferred • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data and develop actionable insights • Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment Technical Skills • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required Physical Requirements • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time • This position frequently communicates with managers at remote locations using email and phone; must be able to exchange clear, accurate information • This position frequently communicates and collaborates with co-workers in the office • Frequent keyboarding/use of computer for data entry Supervision: None Work Location: Chicago, IL Compensation And Benefits Salary Range: $145,000-150,000 per year Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program. Blue River PetCare Offers The Following Benefits • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance • Flexible & Health Spending Accounts • Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage • Retirement plans with company match • Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Paid Volunteer Time-off • Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies • Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits • Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members • Childcare discounts with KinderCare • Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts • Hybrid and remote opportunities We’re proud to announce that Blue River PetCare is a certified Great Place To Work! Blue River PetCare is a multi-state owner and operator of high-quality veterinary hospitals, with our corporate office located in downtown Chicago. We provide an exit strategy for owners of veterinary hospitals who are looking to reduce the headaches of business and diversify their asset base while continuing to practice or who are seeking to transition their practice as they consider retirement. We believe strongly in the local franchise and work with our hospitals to strengthen their existing hospital brands and carry on the legacies which have been established. Diversity is embraced at Blue River PetCare and the uniqueness of all individuals is supported. All qualified applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or ancestry.

Identify and acquire target veterinary hospitals through relationship building, lead generation, financial evaluation, and deal negotiation. | Bachelor's degree, experience in account management or sales, strong communication skills, confidentiality, financial acumen, and willingness to travel. | This role must be located in NM, TX, OK, AR, LA, AL, GA, FL, TN, NC. The Business Development Specialist is responsible for executing a comprehensive internal and external marketing plan to identify and acquire target hospitals that meet the defined investment criteria for the company. This position works to identify potential leads, develops and maintains relationships with current and future prospects, evaluates the financial worthiness of potential acquisition targets, and creates and presents offers to prospective targets. Essential Duties And Responsibilities • Locates or proposes potential business deals by contacting potential sellers and exploring new opportunities • Maintains knowledge of veterinary industry trends and best practices by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations • Develops and maintains relationships with current and future acquisition targets • Identifies prospect targets that fit within the defined investment criteria for the company, evaluating culture in target acquisitions to ensure it aligns with the culture of Blue River • Closes new business deals through due-diligence and negotiates contracts • Evaluates current operational issues with potential target acquisitions to determine how competitive and current each entity is with the latest trends in the industry Skills, Knowledge, Abilities and Qualifications • Previous experience in veterinary industry is highly preferred • Experience in account management or sales role is highly desired • Must be highly motivated self-starter with ability to take initiative to seek out potential acquisitions • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Must maintain strict confidentiality with regard to prospecting information • Outstanding communication skills Technical Skills • Intermediate proficiency in the Microsoft Office • Financial acumen Education: Bachelors degree required Physical Requirements • Must be able to travel to prospective clinics within the continental United States weekly • The person in this position frequently communicates with potential clients using email and phone; must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in a professional manner in these situations Compensation and Benefits Salary Range: $100,000 per year Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program. Blue River PetCare Offers The Following Benefits • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance • Flexible & Health Spending Accounts • Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage • Retirement plans with company match • Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Paid Volunteer Time-off • Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies • Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits • Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members • Childcare discounts with KinderCare • Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts • Hybrid and remote opportunities We’re proud to announce that Blue River PetCare is a certified Great Place To Work! Blue River PetCare is a multi-state owner and operator of high-quality veterinary hospitals, with our corporate office located in downtown Chicago. We provide an exit strategy for owners of veterinary hospitals who are looking to reduce the headaches of business and diversify their asset base while continuing to practice or who are seeking to transition their practice as they consider retirement. We believe strongly in the local franchise and work with our hospitals to strengthen their existing hospital brands and carry on the legacies which have been established. Diversity is embraced at Blue River PetCare and the uniqueness of all individuals is supported. All qualified applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or ancestry.