Vendor Relations Manager

Ingram Marine Group is looking for a Vendor Relations Manager in the Nashville TN area who will lead the management processes for external service providers.  This role involves developing vendors into reliable partners who consistently deliver best-in-class service and value.  The position will focus on External Services vendors and internal customer relationships business processes and strategy planning.  The associate has a key role in future planning and analysis related to assets real estate needs and vendor requirements.

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys building strong working relationships while also digging into data and solving problems. An ideal candidate is organized proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities at the same time. Communicating well with different teams and look for practical ways to improve processes and control costs is essential. This role is for someone who likes taking ownership thinking ahead and helping operations run smoother through strong partnerships and smart decisions.

What youll be doing:

• Working closely interdepartmentally with Logistics/Customer Service Sales Legal Operations Custom Fuel Service Accounts Payable and Information Services
• Analyzing market data internal operations sales projections and geographic trends to effectively manage and negotiate External Services agreements
• Participating in planning/budgeting for fleet lease vessel charter and vendor services
• Evaluating supplier base lease holdings and operational needs to ensure external provider needs are met and stable going forward
• Managing vendor development reviews and performance
• Proactively seeking feedback on vendor performance and strategic needs from internal stakeholders
• Implementing and administering real estate/fleeting lease charters and vendor programs

• Leading vendor cost-saving performance management and improvement efforts including:
  • Consulting with internal stakeholders to ensure needs are consistently met and leading resolution of any issues
  • Partnering with vendors to ensure consistent service excellence competitive pricing and ongoing performance improvement
  • Providing regular and ad-hoc reporting analysis and presentations to support data-driven vendor evaluation and strategic decision-making
  • Continuously monitoring and assessing market conditions vendor pricing and vendor performance to identify contract needs cost-saving opportunities and risks
  • Designing and overseeing exception-based invoice reviews and vendor audits including identifying and addressing root causes of exceptions and recouping funds
  • Identifying and implementing process improvements and expense reduction initiatives

• Implementing and administering third-party service provider agreements in designated areas including:
  • Creating template-based vendor agreements in collaboration with internal stakeholders including Legal Logistics Operations Finance and Accounting
  • Serving as project leader and primary point of contact for vendor agreements liaising between parties though contract development negotiations and execution
  • Creating bid packages and evaluating vendor proposals
  • Providing analysis and recommendations to stakeholders and senior leadership
  • Leading cross-functional meetings of internal stakeholders and vendors
  • Cultivating partnership-focused positive relationships with internal stakeholders and vendors
  • Managing the contract pipeline ensuring timely execution thorough follow-through and complete record-keeping
  • Achieving comprehensive win-win agreements that achieve company objectives maximize IBCOs financial and operational opportunities and minimize risk
  • Tracking performance metrics and ensuring contract compliance throughout contract lifecycle

• Implementing administering and championing technology solutions to more effectively monitor and control third-party spend identify and resolve exceptions and develop reporting to better understand trends gaps and opportunities
• Providing backup for other roles as needed
• On-call duties as required

Qualifications :

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Previous shoreside marine transportation or supply chain experience a strong plus
• Previous contract management experience a strong plus
• Demonstrated ability to proactively and efficiently identify and solve problems
• Self-starter with the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others and the drive to deliver meaningful results
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Ability to manage multiple vendors simultaneously
• Effective negotiation and conflict management skills
• Demonstrated analytical abilities and proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and a variety of tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work crossfunctionally with the Logistics/Customer Service Sales Legal Operations Custom Fuel Service Accounts Payable and Information Services Departments
• Passion for creating partnerships and exceeding stakeholder expectations

Other Experience Needed:

• Bachelors degree required
• 3 - 5 years of experience in vendor relations required

Working Environment and Conditions:

• Up to 20% travel required with a focus on Ingram Barge Companys stakeholders and vendor meetings

Additional Information :

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines

If you are requesting reasonable accommodation or disability assistance in submitting your application you may email us at

Ingram Marine Group and its affiliates (Company) is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age work related mental or physical disability veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or genetic information. 

EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled

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Work :

No

Employment Type :

Intern