Vendor Relationship Specialist

ABC Supply Co.; Beloit (WI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Employee assistance program

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Flex spending

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

ABC Supply Co. in Beloit, WI seeks a Vendor Relationship Specialist to develop and optimize supplier partnerships that drive growth and profitability. You will manage agreements, rebates, and performance programs, coordinating with Merchandising, Marketing, IT, Finance, and Operations to align objectives and improve processes.

The role emphasizes data-driven decisions, supplier engagement, and program administration, with a focus on maximizing value for the company and its suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Management, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of one year of vendor relationship management, supplier management, procurement, or category management experience.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated process management and project coordination capabilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and enhance strategic supplier relationships to support growth and profitability.
• Administer vendor agreements, rebate programs, and performance initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders (Merchandising, Marketing, IT, Finance, Operations).
• Design and improve vendor management processes including onboarding, performance measurement, and risk management.
• Produce reports and metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate supplier-related events and recognition programs and address operational issues.

Skills

Strategic Partnership Development

Negotiation & Influence

Process Improvement

Project Management

Business Analytics

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Communication & Presentation Skills

Problem Solving

Organizational Effectiveness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Tableau

Power BI

Oracle

Job description

ABC Supply is North America’s largest wholesale distributor of exterior and interior building products.

ABC Supply is proud to be an employee-first company. In fact, we have won the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award every year since its inception in 2007, and Glassdoor has named us one of the best places to work in the country. Be part of a company that recognizes your talents, rewards your efforts, and helps you reach your full potential. At ABC Supply, we have YOUR future covered.

Job Summary:

The Vendor Relationship Specialist is responsible for developing, managing, and enhancing strategic supplier relationships that support company growth, profitability, and operational effectiveness. This role administers key components of the Category Management process for assigned resale and non-resale suppliers, including vendor agreements, supplier rebate programs, vendor performance initiatives, and supplier engagement activities. The Vendor Relationship Specialist serves as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve processes, and maximize value for the company and its suppliers.

Preferred & Approved Vendor Program

• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Preferred & Approved Vendor Program in partnership with merchandising leadership.
• Monitor vendor program performance and identify opportunities to increase participation, engagement, and program effectiveness.
• Partner with suppliers and internal category leadership to maximize mutual success and business growth.
• Establish, maintain, and administer supplier agreements and related documentation.
• Track, manage, and support the negotiation of supplier rebate and incentive programs.
• Ensure accurate reporting and administration of vendor program commitments, agreements, and financial incentives.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier value and return on strategic partnerships.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact between suppliers and internal departments including Merchandising, Marketing, IT, Finance, Operations, and other business functions.
• Work with internal stakeholders and suppliers to align business objectives, capabilities, and growth opportunities.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration to support key initiatives and operational priorities.
• Design, develop, and enhance vendor management processes including supplier onboarding, performance measurement, cost control, risk management, and service optimization.
• Produce reports, analyses, and performance metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct regular process reviews and recommend enhancements that improve efficiency and supplier satisfaction.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to identify, address, and resolve operational issues and inefficiencies.
• Lead the planning and execution of ABC’s Supplier Appreciation event and recognition programs.
• Coordinate supplier participation in company meetings, events, and engagement activities.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen supplier relationships and reinforce long-term partnerships.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Perform additional duties necessary to support merchandising and supplier relationship objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience in vendor relationship management, supplier management, procurement, category management, or a related business function.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated process management and project coordination capabilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively across a cross-functional organization and deliver measurable results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with analytics and business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Oracle, Power BI, or similar platforms preferred.
• Construction, distribution, or building materials industry experience preferred.
• Strategic Partnership Development
• Negotiation & Influence
• Process Improvement
• Project Management
• Business Analytics
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication & Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving
• Organizational Effectiveness

Success Measures

• Growth and effectiveness of supplier partnerships.
• Increased participation and engagement in preferred vendor programs.
• Successful administration of vendor agreements and rebate programs.
• Improved vendor management processes and operational efficiencies.
• Positive supplier and internal stakeholder feedback.
• Successful execution of supplier engagement and appreciation initiatives.
• Measurable contribution to company growth, profitability, and strategic objectives.

Benefits may include:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage - eligible after 60 days, low out of pocket
• 401(k) with generous company match - eligible after 60 days, immediately vested
• Employer paid employee assistance program
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance
• Flex spending
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer / Drug Free Workplace

ABC Supply values diversity and we actively encourage women, minorities, and veterans to apply.