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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vendor Relations Technician

💰 $50,000 - $75,000

ProcurementVendor ManagementSupply ChainTechnical SupportSupplier Coordination

🎯 Role Definition

A Vendor Relations Technician is responsible for providing technical and operational support to manage vendor interactions, ensure compliance with contractual requirements, and maintain efficient supplier operations. This role involves maintaining accurate records, assisting with vendor onboarding, troubleshooting issues, and supporting continuous improvement in vendor management processes. The technician ensures smooth collaboration between internal teams and external suppliers to support organizational objectives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Procurement Assistant
  • Supply Chain Technician
  • Administrative Support in Vendor Management

Advancement To:

  • Vendor Relations Specialist
  • Vendor Relations Supervisor
  • Procurement Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Supplier Quality Technician
  • Contract Administrator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor records, contracts, certifications, and compliance documents.
  2. Assist in the onboarding of new vendors, including system setup, documentation verification, and initial training.
  3. Monitor vendor performance metrics and escalate issues to supervisors or relevant departments.
  4. Support contract management, including renewals, amendments, and compliance tracking.
  5. Facilitate communication between vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve operational issues.
  6. Conduct routine audits of vendor documentation and compliance records.
  7. Support the preparation of reports on vendor performance, SLA adherence, and contract compliance.
  8. Assist in the evaluation of vendor proposals and performance benchmarking.
  9. Coordinate vendor delivery schedules and ensure timely completion of orders or services.
  10. Track and report on vendor service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure contractual obligations are met.
  11. Maintain databases and vendor management systems (VMS) for accurate record-keeping and reporting.
  12. Verify invoices, reconcile payments, and support finance teams in vendor-related accounting processes.
  13. Support risk management activities by tracking vendor certifications, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
  14. Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to address vendor-related issues or delays.
  15. Assist in vendor performance improvement initiatives, including corrective action plans.
  16. Monitor vendor communications and document resolutions of disputes or issues.
  17. Conduct research on vendor capabilities, market trends, and alternative suppliers.
  18. Support audit preparation by providing required documentation and performance data.
  19. Participate in cross-functional projects to enhance vendor management processes.
  20. Maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and compliance in all vendor interactions.
  21. Provide administrative and technical support to senior vendor relations staff.
  22. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for vendor workflows and reporting standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with vendor management systems (VMS) and database management.
  • Familiarity with contract management, compliance tracking, and SLAs.
  • Experience using ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Coupa, or similar).
  • Strong understanding of procurement and supply chain processes.
  • Ability to perform data analysis and reporting using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.
  • Knowledge of risk management and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Competence in document control and audit preparation.
  • Skilled in vendor onboarding and workflow process support.
  • Ability to track and reconcile vendor invoices and payments.
  • Basic understanding of supplier performance evaluation and benchmarking.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
  • Detail-oriented with high accuracy and accountability.
  • Effective problem-solving and issue resolution skills.
  • Professionalism with strong ethical judgment.
  • Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build relationships.
  • Strong time management and prioritization abilities.
  • Adaptable to changing priorities and operational needs.
  • Proactive and self-motivated in completing assigned tasks.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with technical or administrative training.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Procurement and Logistics
  • Vendor Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–3 years of experience in vendor support, procurement, or supply chain operations.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience working with vendor management systems, contract administration, or supplier coordination.
  • Familiarity with corporate compliance, audits, and supplier performance tracking.
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