Vendor Specialist
*Direct Hire Opportunity!*
Job Purpose: The Vendor Specialist is responsible for supporting the execution of the brand’s vendor relationships critical to the service, repair, and maintenance of the restaurant locations throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. They will be responsible for onboarding new vendors, maintaining strong connections with existing vendors, managing vendor performance, and ensuring the vendor understands our core values, high standards, and meets expectations. They will implement and/or maintain systems and processes to ensure a highly effective, structured, and modern use of AI, software and other resources available to scale the position. The location of the position will start in Greensboro, NC for training and transition to Burlington, NC approximately 4-6 months from hire.
*Must be okay with training in Greensboro for 4-6 months, then transitioning to Burlington location*
Key Job Functions (and % of workweek spent on function)
1. Vendor Management. (45%-50%) 3rd Party Vendor Management to include vendor performance, vendor cost analysis, special projects, service contracts, and managing schedules. Address and resolve any issues or conflicts that arise with vendors, fostering a positive and collaborative relationship. Address vendor inquiries, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally. Conduct independent contractor interviews/meetings. Complete intake paperwork for new contractors. Regularly assess vendor performance against SLA (service level agreements) and quality standards.Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current vendors.
2. VMS (Vendor Management Software). (15%)Manage contractor files in VMS (vendor management software), updating all personal information and maintaining quarterly and yearly audits. Schedule monthly and quarterly check-ins with contractors that are newly onboarded. Utilize data to develop and deliver performance improvement plans (PIP) for underperforming vendors.
3. CMMS. (15%)Use the CMMS for invoice approval data input and ongoing vendor training. Coordinate and conduct quarterly vendor performance evaluations, review monthly through CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) business intelligence. Ensure a standard of excellence in quality and store satisfaction, through detailed quality control checks of new contractors that are onboarded and to ensure
existing vendors maintain expected performance to ensure restaurant standards are being met.
4. Communication. (25%)Communication between Ops & Facilities, emergency management, meeting management. Assist in decision making regarding placing contractors in new or existing store markets. Identify opportunities to expand and enhance our vendor base and depth in current and futuremarkets. Collaborate closely with the Facilities Maintenance Coordinator to align vendor offerings with store demands and our strategic goals. Effectively communicate with independent contractors and the Facilities Managers to stay ahead of potential client issues and topromptly address any restaffing needs necessary.
Skills/Knowledge/Experience/Education Required
• A minimum of two years of experience in procurement and vendor management, with a proven track record of success
• Experience in the restaurant industry is a plus.
• Experience with creating effective presentations.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with project management software (SmartSheet preferred)
• Experience with negotiation skills, ERP item management, inventory control and forecasting
• Ability to build rapport and maintain long-term vendor, client and internal team member relationships.
• Ability to show strong critical thinking to support execution of successful projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices and vendor evaluation
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
Schedule: 40 hour work week required, 8am-5pm Monday-Friday with some flexibility on hours
Pay: Starting rate $20+/hour, Based on Experience
