Vendor Liaison/Acquisition Management Spec

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota, Department of Administration, seeks a Vendor Liaison to manage vendor communications, training, and ERP-related activities within the Statewide ERP system. You will coordinate training for vendors and agencies, guide procurement workflows, and help optimize supplier interactions across portals.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in ERP or procurement, strong training skills, and knowledge of governmental purchasing practices.

Qualifications

• Three+ years of experience with ERP or similar systems in requisitions, contracts, inventory, and payments.
• Experience delivering formal/informal training on technical information to varied audiences.
• Knowledge of procurement, purchasing, contracting, and government practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage vendor communications and training activities across ERP and supplier portals.
• Support vendor groups and agencies with ERP navigation, contracts, orders, and payments.
• Coordinate procurement analysis, define business requirements, and assist with testing and improvements.

Skills

Vendor relations

Training delivery

Project management

Communication

ERP systems

Education

Associate's degree in accounting/finance/related

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/related

Tools

ERP Supplier Portal

ERP software

Job description

Working Title: Vendor Liaison

Job Class: Acquisition Management Specialist

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 98033
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/5/2026
• Closing Date: 11/25/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Payroll / SWIFT Functional Support
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes 25%
• Salary Range: $34.07 - $50.53 / hourly; $71,138 - $105,506 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Office of State Procurement (OSP) is one of the largest divisions with the agency. This division oversees $2.1 billion in goods and services purchased annually. The division offers volume discounts to state agencies and local units of government through 1,600 enterprise contracts and the two (2) largest multi-state cooperative purchasing programs in the nation. This team also oversees vendor relations for the State and administers business development programs that help economically-disadvantaged and legislatively-targeted companies doing business with the State.

The Vendor Liaison oversees vendor communications and ongoing vendor training activities and plays a key role in planning, organizing, educating, and implementing the Statewide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) vendor management activities and support across partnering agencies and internal or external vendor groups.

The Vendor Liaison supports assists vendors and grantees attempting to navigate through the Statewide ERP Supplier Portal to do business with the State, submit responses, and sign contracts, as well as view order, contract and payment information online. The position also provides guidance, training, and outreach services to agencies, vendors, and grantees so that they understand how to use the Statewide ERP application to conduct business. The Vendor Liaison also serves as the liaison for procurement functional analysis, definition of business requirements, design approvals, and the functional testing of enhancements or changes related to functionality, and coordinates continuous improvement efforts within the system. Some travel is required to attend events and conferences locally (such as St. Paul and Shoreview).

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of professional experience demonstrating expertise in one or more areas of the procedures within an ERP or similar system for processing requisitions, solicitations, orders, contracts, inventory, receipts, and related invoice and payment processes.

An associate's degree in accounting, finance, or related field may be substituted for six (6) months of experience as described. A bachelor's degree as specified above may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described.

Applicants who meet the above will be further assessed on the following:

• Experience providing formal and informal training on technical information to a variety of audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Experience performing quality assurance work or software testing.
• In-depth knowledge of principles and practices of procurement, purchasing and contracting, professional services contracts, or supply (including inventory).
• Presentation skills sufficient to conduct training and educational sessions with ERP staff, end users, levels of management, the vendor community, and others.
• Advanced project management skills sufficient to define project scope, establish timetables, quality standards, and meet project objectives.
• Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, and insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training or working in help desk support for business and system functionality.
• Knowledge of Minnesota procurement-related statutes, policies, procedures, and business practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental purchasing and contracting.
• Experience training on computer-based technology.
• Experience creating online training material, with knowledge of basic accessibility standards and practices.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an incumbent to maintain a valid driver's license, and insurance, or have other reliable transportation.

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

About Administration Dept

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.