Supplier Operations Assistant

About the Department

The Supplier Operations team is part of our greater Trip Development Department, comprised of contract administrators and data specialists located in Berkeley, CA and Utrecht, Netherlands. The team is responsible for reaching agreements with our 3,500+ subcontracted vendors and partners, which include some of the world’s most remarkable restaurants, transportation vendors, and experience providers. This team is focused on building relationships and confirming services with our partners in a timely manner that yields the best outcome for both the vendor and Backroads, and plays a key role in providing amazing experiences for our guests.

About the role

The Supplier Operations Assistant plays a critical role within the Supplier Operations team, working to support the them in confirming services with our vendors by performing a variety of administrative tasks. This role is a great introduction to Backroads as it touches many different parts our internal systems while generating contracts, sending cancel letters, verifying supplier information, and executing various business critical projects. You'll also assist with a wide range of projects based on business needs and collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments; providing you the opportunity to learn several aspects of the organization.

What you'll be doing

• Support the Supplier Operations team with vendor follow-ups and sending status updates
• Request & confirm various critical trip elements, including but not limited to permits
• Internal systems support: uploading documents for field use, updating field operations data, managing department inbox, sending cancel letters, etc.
• Special projects: Assist with ongoing special project needs for Trip Development, Rooming & Yield departments
• Scope, plan, and conduct analyses in support of strategic and operational projects
• Work cross-functionally to support multiple stakeholders & teams
• Clearly and concisely communicate findings to key stakeholders
• Get stuff done! Work closely with the entire Trip Development team to make sure our operations are functioning like a finely tuned machine at all time, regardless of the task required.

What you'll need to be successful

• Strong Communicator. You will have extensive correspondence that relies on you being conversant in our systems, timelines, guidelines and terminology.
• Organized. You’re an efficient time-manager and can handle the pressure of meeting multiple strict deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and with a team. You will be collaborating and often contributing to discussions amongst internal teams; you also work effectively without a lot of support or structure.
• Problem-Solver. As an action-oriented self-starter, you’re eager to apply your expertise in diagnosing inefficiencies, determining root causes, and recommending solutions to complex challenges.
• Personable. You establish and nurture highly effective relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders that support and advance project goals and objectives.
• Credible. Ability to quickly develop a thorough understanding of Backroads business timelines and providing administrative support, you quickly establish credibility as a reliable resource.

Work environment

4 days in office, 1 day work from home

About Backroads

At Backroads we’re passionate about connecting our guests with so many of the most beautiful places in the world. We use our four-plus decades of expertise to create exceptional biking, hiking, and multi-adventure trips in over 50 countries for people wanting a deeper and richer travel experience. We travel on land as well as by small luxury ships on active river and ocean cruises. Our trips are for all ages – including dedicated itineraries just for families. We are known for our unwavering attention to quality. We have a dynamic work environment and a strong company culture.

Why Backroads

• We value every single member of our staff, and we’re proud to offer a dynamic work environment that enables growth.
• Your colleagues will be some of the most dedicated, competent, active, and fun people you will ever meet.
• A job at Backroads is unlike any other job you will ever have – you will be challenged, you will be inspired, and you will be gratified.
• No matter what you do here, you will be part of something that makes us all proud – delivering authentic, enriching, and often profoundly life-changing experiences.
• We have some pretty great benefits and perks!

Salary Ranges

$23.08 - $28.85