Vendor Relations Specialist

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION

To ensure all incoming shipments are accurate, undamaged, and meet our company standards. You will act as the key link between our warehouse and vendors to quickly resolve delivery issues and keep our inventory records correct. This position will also be a dotted line report to the Corporate Vendor Manager.

Major Areas of Accountability

• Inbound Inspection & Quality Control
• Inspect the dock and paperwork for obvious delivery errors, like pallet issues, quantity errors, or missing carton info.
• Perform daily audit samples for received goods.
• Conduct regular inspections of the warehouse dock to identify and secure damaged or missing freight.
• Discrepancy Resolution (OS&D)
• Review, identify, and document freight that is over, short, or damaged (OS&D) upon arrival.
• Prepare detailed OS&D reports and process loss/damage claims, including high-value shortages.
• Determine appropriate actions for distressed freight (return, repair, recycle) and coordinate disposal, if needed.
• Research aged or lost putaways, as needed.
• Cook up the receiving process for urgent deliveries and resolve receiving discrepancy issues.
• Vendor Compliance & Communication
• Act as a liaison between Vendor Manager, Inventory Planners, and vendors to fix shipping mistakes and reconcile compliance issues.
• Provide vendors and merchants with documentation (written and visual) regarding packaging or barcode issues via email or fax.
• Research and respond to requests from vendors or corporate merchants regarding previous issues.
• Cook up the receiving process for urgent deliveries and resolve receiving discrepancy issues.
• Coordinate with customers, drivers, terminal staff, and carriers to resolve freight issues.
• Interact with vendors and team members using conflict resolution skills to solve delivery problems.
• Data Integrity & Administration
• Enter non-compliance data into the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Compare packing slips and invoices against purchase orders to ensure accuracy.
• Adjust purchase orders when product quantity exceeds the original amount documented.
• Maintain daily records of monthly vendor issues.
• Compile and package all freight bills for shipment to the corporate traffic department.
• Sort and file verified receiving worksheets daily.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or 3+ years of experience in warehouse operations, receiving, or vendor compliance.
• Strong conflict resolution skills with the ability to stay calm and professional when resolving disagreements with vendors or carriers.
• High attention to detail, specifically with numbers and inventory codes.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain issues clearly to both vendors and internal teams.
• Strong computer skills using the Microsoft suite of programs.
• Working knowledge of WMS, ERP, or other enterprise systems.
• Ability to contribute to the team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Demonstrates Northern Tool + Equipment’s 12 Core Competencies.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for the duration of a shift.
• Ability to use handheld technology (scanners/tablets) and cameras to document issues.
• Good vision and depth perception for inspecting freight and spotting damage.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs consistently and move objects by bending, stooping, or pushing.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Personal Protective Equipment Required

None