Operations Specialist-Vendor Manager

Direct Supply, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefit package

Job summary

Direct Supply, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI is seeking an Operations Specialist, Vendor Manager to ensure reliable supplier performance, accurate order fulfillment, and timely post-shipment resolution.

You will serve as a key liaison between suppliers, customers, and internal teams, negotiating with suppliers to uphold standards and managing end-to-end order execution. Leveraging AI and data insights, you will streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and protect profitability while identifying

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in operations, supply chain, business, or related field preferred.
• Experience using AI tools, automation, or data insights to improve operational efficiency.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure accurate fulfillment and timely resolutions.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure timely resolutions while reinforcing performance expectations.
• Manage end-to-end order execution from placement through shipment with proactive communication.
• Lead post-shipment resolution including freight damage claims, inquiries, and warranty coordination.
• Coordinate complex service events aligning suppliers, service providers, and customers for timely repairs or replacements.
• Identify recurring issues and implement process improvements to increase reliability and efficiency.
• Develop supplier expertise to accelerate problem resolution and improve decision-making.
• Apply AI tools and data insights to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort.

Skills

Solves Problems

Delivers Results

Communicates Effectively

Optimizes Work Processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in operations, supply chain, business, or related field

Tools

AI Tools

Microsoft 365

CRM Platforms

Operational Reporting Tools

Job description

Position Summary

Direct Supply is building the future of healthcare technology with industry-leading products, solutions and platforms to help improve the lives of millions of seniors and those who care for them. In the Operations Specialist, Vendor Manager position, you’ll ensure reliable supplier performance, accurate order fulfillment, and timely resolution of post-shipment issues by serving as a key liaison between suppliers, customers, and internal teams. You’ll leverage AI, automation, and operational insight to reduce manual work, improve resolution speed, and strengthen margin through increased efficiency. This role drives supplier accountability, identifies operational gaps, and implements improvements that enhance reliability, reduce customer friction, and protect profitability.

Skills Needed

• Solves Problems – Uses technology and sharp logic to craft inventive solutions to complex issues, digging deep to tackle root causes. Conducts impartial analysis, leaving no stone unturned for comprehensive insights.
• Delivers Results – Seizes new opportunities and tackles challenges head-on with urgency. Takes initiative and consistently hits goals. Zeroes in on key priorities for results. Drives progress through uncertainty and moves others to action.
• Communicates Effectively – Develops and delivers impactful communications for diverse audiences across channels. Excels in both small and large group interactions. Captures attention, actively listens, and guides discussions towards targeted goals.
• Optimizes Work Processes – Streamlines workflows by harnessing data, AI, and technology. Identifies opportunities for efficiency and incorporates new processes and technology. Defines new success measures. Ability to effectively use productivity tools and business systems such as Microsoft 365, CRM platforms, and operational reporting tools.

What You’ll Do and Impact

Serve as the primary liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure accurate fulfillment, timely delivery, and efficient resolution of post-shipment needs. Negotiate with suppliers to secure timely and appropriate resolutions while reinforcing supplier performance expectations and operational standards. Manage end-to-end order execution, monitoring fulfillment from placement through shipment to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and proactive communication that minimizes delays and rework. Lead post-shipment resolution efforts including freight damage claims, product inquiries, and warranty coordination while minimizing operational loss exposure. Coordinate complex service events by aligning suppliers, service providers, and customers to ensure repairs or replacements occur efficiently and within service expectations. Identify recurring operational issues and implement process improvements that increase reliability, reduce customer friction, and strengthen operational efficiency. Develop product and supplier expertise to accelerate problem resolution and improve operational decision-making. Apply AI tools and data insights to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, improve turnaround time, and enhance operational productivity.

Experience

Proven success delivering operational or supply chain support in a fast-paced environment while resolving complex supplier and customer issues with accuracy and accountability. Experience using AI tools, automation, or data insights to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual work, or accelerate issue resolution. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, collaborate across teams, and maintain service and performance standards in ambiguous or evolving environments.

Additional Items of Interest

Bachelor’s degree in operations, supply chain, business, or a related field preferred. Job to be performed in the location listed. Generous benefit package available.

Company Culture

© 2013 to 2026 Direct Supply, Inc. All rights reserved. Direct Supply delivers solution-driven platforms, products and services to help solve the toughest challenges facing Senior Living and Healthcare. For more than 35 years, we’ve grown consistently while expanding our offering of innovative solutions for virtually every critical area of senior health across the continuum of care. If you asked our 1,200+ Partners what separates Direct Supply from other applied technology companies, it’s that we are 100% employee owned and driven to work with a purpose. Every day, we strive to honor our mission of enhancing the lives of millions of seniors and healthcare professionals in a results-oriented agile environment that gives our Partners the necessary tools and flexibility to truly bring what’s next to Healthcare. Ready to make a difference?