Vendor Relationship Specialist (914)

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.

Essential Responsibilities:

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.

Vendor Agreements & Rebate Management

• 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.

Vendor Management & Process Improvement

• 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.

Supplier Engagement & Events

• 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.

Key Competencies:

• Vendor Relationship Management
• 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 sick days
• Paid holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer / Drug Free Workplace

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