The Vendor Relations Specialist will be responsible for leading cross-functional efforts to create, implement, and manage alternative ordering solutions for our DSD vendor partners, ensuring excellent change management practices are in place.  This role will lead the strategy & development of alternative ordering solutions, vendor alignment, and platform implementation for Merchandise.  This position will be responsible for establishing the process, cadence, and performance metrics to manage optimal vendor performance, engage in building mutually beneficial relationships, fostering accountability for results, and influencing our vendor partners to deliver on goals, agreements, and strategies. This role plays a critical part in driving strategies and processes to elevate the performance of our overall supply chain. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead cross-functional efforts to create, implement, and manage alternative ordering solutions for our DSD vendor partners.
Create the strategy for alternative ordering solutions and align with DSD vendors to implement.Monitors the performance of alternative ordering solutions to ensure the right products are being delivered on-time, with the right delivery cadence.  
Evaluate potential alternative sourcing solutions for private label products and miscellaneous products / services.
Drives the Performance Management strategy for our vendor partners by leading frequent exercises to segment vendors and defining the performance management framework for each segment.
Establish internal and external benchmarks to measure current performance, inform future target setting and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
Identify key metrics and levers, monitoring results against goals via vendor scorecard, ensuring the appropriate action plans are in place timely and monitored regularly.
Participates in developing and cascading goals to partners, ensuring alignment with overall strategy.
Responsible for vendor performance monitoring and issuing of scorecards based on standards and agreed upon contractual performance measures and metrics.
Process large quantities of detailed information and data with high levels of accuracy.
Establish and implement a platform for vendor master data.
Leverages data and analytics, identifies performance and process gaps, and implements action plans that will result in improved product ordering and delivery.
Ensure captured and reported data is of highest level of accuracy.
Identify and solve complex problems that have a broad impact on Merchandise Supply Chain; create methods to address current and future needs.
Become a thought partner and influencer with internal stakeholders to help streamline vendor performance opportunities and long-term strategy.
Lead recurring vendor meetings, quarterly and annual business reviews, managing the risks, issues, and actions items to resolutions.
Meet regularly with internal stakeholders to discuss and re-evaluate strategic direction and how current and future product ordering and delivery processes will impact the broader business.
Manage working relationships with key vendor contacts to ensure transparency and integrity of reporting and approval of the deliverables.
Creates a climate for collaboration across different functional teams and minimizes barriers to collaboration.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Broad knowledge of such fields as accounting, marketing, business administration, finance, etc. Equivalent to a four year college degree, plus 4 years related experience and/or training, and 12 to 18 months related management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.