Product and Vendor Support Specialist

Colonial Group; Edina (MN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in Edina, MN is seeking a Product & Vendor Support Specialist to own invoice cost discrepancy resolution, ecommerce item setup, and vendor funding support within Center Store operations. The role collaborates with Category Managers, vendors, merchandising support teams, and business systems to ensure accurate costs and timely digital assortment activities.

You will contribute to operational efficiency by documenting findings, monitoring discrepancies, and coordinating

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow issues through resolution.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with data, reports, or operational processes.
• Service oriented with high energy and a friendly demeanor
• Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English

Responsibilities

• Own invoice cost discrepancy management and resolution tracking.
• Coordinate product enablement and item setups for online channels.
• Support vendor funding programs and promotional agreements.
• Maintain process docs, SOPs, and training materials.
• Assist cross-functional teams to improve data quality and efficiency.
• Model Lunds & Byerly’s customer service standards in interactions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Customer service mindset

Communication skills

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Finance, Data Management, or related field, or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Product & Vendor Support Specialist supports Center Store operations through ownership of invoice cost discrepancy resolution, ecommerce item setup, vendor funding process support, and cross-functional coordination. This role helps improve operational efficiency by ensuring item costs, vendor agreements, and digital assortment activities are executed accurately and on time. The position serves as a key liaison between Category Managers, vendors, merchandising support teams, and business systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following description of work to be performed by this individual is not intended to be all-inclusive. Rather, it focuses on the major tasks that must be accomplished. There are many necessary activities to satisfy any of the following performance guidelines.

Invoice Cost Discrepancy Management (Primary Responsibility)

• Manage and monitor invoice cost discrepancy queues and exceptions.
• Research differences between contracted/system costs and vendor invoices.
• Coordinate with vendors, category managers, and internal stakeholders to resolve discrepancies.
• Document findings, resolutions, and root causes.
• Track exception trends and recommend process improvements to reduce recurring issues.
• Maintain reporting and performance metrics related to discrepancy resolution.

Ecommerce Product Enablement

• Coordinate item setup activities required for products to be activated and maintained online.
• Ensure product information is accurate, complete, and available for digital channels.
• Partner with merchandising, ecommerce, and item management teams to resolve item setup issues.
• Support timely onboarding of new products and assortment changes.

Vendor Funding & Agreement Support

• Provide backup support for vendor allowance agreements and promotional funding processes.
• Assist with documentation, tracking, and administrative workflows related to vendor funding programs.
• Ensure continuity of key merchandising support processes during employee absences or workload fluctuations.

Operational Process Support

• Maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, and training materials.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that improve operational efficiency and data quality.
• Participate in system transitions, process enhancements, and knowledge transfer activities.
• Provide support for legacy system operations during transition periods as needed.
• Provide hospitality and assistance to vendors and other team members. Model the Lunds & Byerly’s customer service standards at all times and ensure that the team members are doing the same

OTHER JOB DUTIES (Not considered essential to the job)

1. Perform all other related assignments (including special projects) as required in a professional and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education:
   1. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Finance, Data Management, or related field, or equivalent experience
2. LFHI Competencies expected of all employees include: Action Oriented, Customer Focus, Instills Trust, Communicates Effectively, Ensure Accountability, and Values Differences
3. Other required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
   1. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
   2. Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow issues through resolution.
   3. Strong communication and organizational skills.
   4. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
   5. Experience working with data, reports, or operational processes.
   6. Service oriented with high energy and a friendly demeanor
   7. Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English
4. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
   1. Experience in retail, grocery, merchandising, procurement, or vendor management.
   2. Experience with item management, ecommerce operations, invoice processing, or pricing systems.
   3. Exposure to ERP, merchandising, or procurement platforms.
   4. Experience working with vendors and cross-functional business partners