Summer temp Vendor Relationship Specialist

Job Details

The Vendor Relationship Specialist supports vendor management activities by assisting with the maintenance and accuracy of the supplier database, supporting vendor onboarding processes, and providing day-to-day assistance to internal stakeholders and suppliers. This role works closely with the Vendor Relationship Manager to help ensure vendor records are accurate, compliant, and aligned with organizational standards. The Vendor Relationship Specialist plays a supportive role in supplier communication, training, and performance tracking, helping to maintain positive working relationships with vendors while ensuring procurement systems and processes are followed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with acting as a liaison to initiate, coordinate, and assist with overseeing the supplier onboarding process in alignment with university policies.
• Assist with maintaining accurate, complete, and compliant supplier records in the procurement system.
• Provide administrative and operational support during supplier onboarding.
• Assist with vendor training related to the use of the organization’s procurement systems.
• Input, review, and maintain vendor documentation, including W-9s, 1099s, and Certificates of Insurance (COIs).
• Verify supplier information for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with Risk Management to support COI tracking and documentation.
• Assist with supplier training, communication, and education materials.
• Support supplier performance tracking by maintaining data, audits, and documentation.
• Help identify vendors for review and support vendor evaluation processes as directed.
• Assist with maintaining the supplier management module within the procurement system.
• Assist with maintaining a healthy supplier database.
• Assist with annual vendor expo events, activities, and presentations.
• Develops a strong technical understanding of the procurement systems in use.
• Regularly pursues professional development.
• Perform other duties and assist with procurement activities and team member coverage as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates-level college degree with a concentration in Business or Supply chain Management, or 2+ year into an equivalent degree program.
• One to three years of professional experience in a procurement environment, though internships or strongly related coursework can substitute.
• Familiar with procurement and source-to-pay software systems.
• Well-developed reasoning, communication, and customer service skills.
• Strong computer skills including effective use of MS Office software, Outlook, and Teams.
• Demonstrates strong technical and business writing skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to deliver clear, compelling presentations.
• Ability to articulate and defend the unique Christian educational mission and vision of Liberty University and its subsidiaries to a wide variety of individuals and groups.
• Individual must not be in default on any federal student or parent loan.
• Individual must not be convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of federal, state, or local government funds, -or- be administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving federal, state, or local government funds (CFR 668.14(b)(18)(i))

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification by a recognized professional Contract/Procurement/Purchasing organization is desired; including: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Associate in Contract Management (CACM), or Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).
• Bachelors-level degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Working knowledge of Banner preferred.
• Lean or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience using Jaggaer & Emburse, or any, source-to-pay procurement software.
• Fluent in Spanish or American Sign Language.