Operations Specialist-Vendor Manager

Milwaukee Succeeds; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Job summary

Direct Supply, Inc. in Milwaukee is seeking an Operations Specialist, Vendor Manager to ensure reliable supplier performance and accurate order fulfillment.

You will serve as a liaison between suppliers, customers, and internal teams, leveraging AI and automation to reduce manual work, improve resolution speed, and protect profitability. The role emphasizes supplier accountability and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in operations, supply chain, business, or related field preferred.
• Experience delivering service and performance standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure accurate fulfillment and timely post‑shipment resolution.
• 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 and warranty coordination.
• Coordinate complex service events by aligning suppliers, providers, and customers for repairs or replacements.
• Identify recurring issues and implement process improvements to increase reliability and reduce friction.
• Develop supplier/product 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

Productivity Tools

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft 365

CRM platforms

Operational reporting tools

Job description

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.

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