Vendor Relations Specialist - VRS2028-QF9

R.W. Mercer Co.; Saint Louis Park (MN); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

R.W. Mercer Co. in Minnesota is seeking a resourceful Vendor Relations Specialist to foster strong vendor relationships, manage contracts, and support procurement processes on a full-time contract basis.

You will coordinate onboarding, monitor performance, negotiate terms, and collaborate with legal, finance, and procurement teams to meet compliance and efficiency goals across the organization. Remote/hybrid/onsite options available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, or contract administration.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven experience handling contracts, purchase orders, and procurement processes.
• Proficiency with vendor management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and online collaboration tools.
• Ability to interpret and draft simple contract terms and agreements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• High level of integrity and the ability to handle confidential business information.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for vendor communications, inquiries, and relationship management.
• Coordinate and manage vendor onboarding, compliance, and due diligence processes.
• Track and review vendor performance, resolve issues, and facilitate performance improvement initiatives.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and agreements to maximize value and minimize risk for the organization.
• Maintain detailed records of contracts, agreements, and communications with vendors.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, and supporting procurement documentation as required.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, pricing, and quality of service during the selection process.
• Investigate and resolve disputes or non-compliance issues with vendors in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with internal teams—including procurement, legal, and finance—to ensure procurement goals and compliance requirements are met.
• Stay up-to-date with market trends, product offerings, and supply chain developments.
• Prepare regular vendor reports, performance summaries, and recommendations for leadership.
• Support vendor audits and ensure accurate documentation for reporting and compliance.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship-building

Contract management

Vendor management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Drafting contracts

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field

Tools

Vendor management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Online collaboration tools

Job description

We are seeking a resourceful and communicative Vendor Relations Specialist to join our team on a full-time contract basis. The Vendor Relations Specialist will be responsible for fostering positive relationships with vendors, managing contracts, monitoring vendor performance, and supporting efficient procurement processes. The ideal candidate excels in communication, negotiation, organizational tasks, and building long-term business partnerships to benefit the company's operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for vendor communications, inquiries, and relationship management.
• Coordinate and manage vendor onboarding, compliance, and due diligence processes.
• Track and review vendor performance, resolve issues, and facilitate performance improvement initiatives.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and agreements to maximize value and minimize risk for the organization.
• Maintain detailed records of contracts, agreements, and communications with vendors.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, and supporting procurement documentation as required.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, pricing, and quality of service during the selection process.
• Investigate and resolve disputes or non-compliance issues with vendors in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with internal teams—including procurement, legal, and finance—to ensure procurement goals and compliance requirements are met.
• Stay up-to-date with market trends, product offerings, and supply chain developments.
• Prepare regular vendor reports, performance summaries, and recommendations for leadership.
• Support vendor audits and ensure accurate documentation for reporting and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, or contract administration.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven experience handling contracts, purchase orders, and procurement processes.
• Proficiency with vendor management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and online collaboration tools.
• Ability to interpret and draft simple contract terms and agreements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• High level of integrity and the ability to handle confidential business information.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

Compensation & Contract Benefits

• Annual Contract Rate: 120,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• Schedule: Full-time contract, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Contract Duration: Initial assignment, with potential for extension based on performance and business needs.
• Work Arrangement: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available according to company policy.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for vendor management training, procurement certifications, and career advancement.
• Collaborative Environment: Work cross-functionally with multiple departments to support robust supplier relationships.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.