Supervisor Vendor Relations

Accountabilities:: Lead and supervise a team of five employees responsible for managing vendor inquiries and providing operational support across merchandise operations. Serve as a subject matter expert (SME), providing guidance and resolving questions from team members, vendors, and internal business partners regarding merchandise operations. Oversee daily team activities and ensure that operational processes, communication standards, and departmental procedures are consistently followed. Monitor the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of team responses, ensuring vendor and internal inquiries are addressed efficiently. Stay informed about daily operational incidents, identify potential issues, and escalate complex matters when necessary. Review operational reports and incident tracking systems to ensure outstanding issues are accurately documented, actively managed, and resolved within appropriate timeframes. Help establish, monitor, and maintain departmental Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Assess team workloads, identify capacity challenges, and recommend workload adjustments to maintain operational efficiency. Observe vendor training sessions and provide guidance to ensure training quality and consistency with departmental standards. Oversee the organization, maintenance, and documentation of team procedures, workflows, and operational resources. Review and approve vendor exceptions related to merchandise ticketing, packaging, and processing requirements. Participate in organizing and facilitating vendor meetings, both onsite and offsite, to strengthen business relationships and address operational priorities. Maintain regular communication with management regarding operational challenges, performance trends, and opportunities for process improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional departments and senior leadership to develop solutions, resolve business issues, and improve vendor operations. Support team members in building and maintaining constructive relationships with both new and established vendors. Coach, mentor, and develop employees through regular individual and team meetings, providing feedback, guidance, and performance support. Conduct performance assessments, address underperformance when necessary, and identify development opportunities that encourage professional growth. Promote a customer-focused service mindset, urgency, accountability, and organizational values across the team. Support departmental projects and business initiatives, helping implement operational improvements and manage organizational change. Develop reference materials and coordinate training activities for team members, merchants, and vendors. Requirements: Bachelor's degree preferred. At least 3 years of supervisory or people management experience, ideally within retail, vendor relations, customer service, or a related operational environment. Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, coach, and develop teams while maintaining high standards of performance and accountability. General knowledge of retail merchandising and/or supply chain operations is required. Strong understanding of vendor management, operational support, and customer service principles. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with vendors, employees, management, and senior stakeholders. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, combined with excellent attention to detail and commercial awareness. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment, adapt to changing priorities, and manage multiple operational responsibilities. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster collaboration across different teams and external partners. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment. Strong computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is considered an advantage. Experience developing training materials, facilitating onboarding, and supporting change management initiatives is a plus. Willingness and availability to undertake occasional day trips and overnight business travel when required. Bilingual communication skills in Spanish, Korean, or Chinese are considered an advantage. Benefits: Annual salary: $50,000–$65,000, depending on qualifications, education, relevant experience, job-related skills, and geographic location. Competitive compensation package. Flexible working hours. Employee merchandise discount. Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage. Life insurance and disability insurance. Paid time off (PTO) for eligible full-time employees. Paid holidays. 401(k) retirement savings plan. Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities. Collaborative working environment with opportunities to contribute to business initiatives and operational improvements. Opportunity to lead and develop a team while strengthening relationships with vendors and internal business partners.