Contracts & Purchasing Specialist

Cedar City, United States | Posted on 03/16/2026

(Cedar City or Salt Lake City areas are preferred. This position is a hybrid work location.)

The Contract & Purchasing Specialist is responsible for managing the full supplier contracting lifecycle for Southwest Adventure Tours. This includes sourcing vendors, negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with company standards and legal requirements.

This role plays a critical part in protecting company profitability by securing competitive pricing, minimizing risk exposure, and maintaining reliable supplier partnerships.

The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, and solutions-oriented , capable of identifying opportunities for cost savings, operational improvements, and stronger vendor partnerships. This individual must demonstrate initiative by not only fulfilling assigned responsibilities but also identifying problems, proposing solutions, and implementing improvements when appropriate.

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for hotels, activities, transportation, meals, and other tour services

Secure favorable pricing, payment terms, and service commitments aligned with the company's Cost of Sale targets

Ensure contract language includes necessary liability protections, including indemnity, force majeure, attrition, and favorable cancellation and reduction terms

Collaborate with legal advisors to maintain standardized contract templates when necessary

Manage the full contract lifecycle from negotiation through execution and renewal

Develop regional buying strategies to support Group Series, FIT, and Large Group programs

Identify and source new suppliers through market research and competitive bidding processes

Conduct RFPs when necessary to improve pricing, service quality, or operational capacity

Evaluate supplier proposals based on pricing, reliability, and operational compatibility

Identify opportunities for long-term purchasing efficiencies and supplier consolidation

Build and maintain strong professional relationships with supplier partners

Act as the primary company contact for major vendors and regional suppliers

Conduct supplier performance evaluations and service reviews

Maintain vendor performance scorecards using feedback from guides, operations teams, and client reports

Address supplier issues and service failures quickly and effectively

Ensure all vendor contracts comply with company policies and applicable regulations

Collect and maintain Certificates of Insurance and licensing documentation

Identify contractual risks and ensure appropriate protections are included

Monitor vendor compliance with agreed service standards and contract terms

Maintain documentation that supports risk mitigation and liability protection

Maintain accurate contract and vendor records within the contract management system and internal databases

Ensure all contract data is captured accurately in operational and financial systems

Maintain organized digital contract files and documentation

Conduct periodic audits to ensure system accuracy and compliance

Develop and maintain cost assurance procedures

Analyze supplier pricing and identify opportunities for cost reductions

Provide cost estimates and forecasting support for tour development

Coordinate with Finance to ensure timely vendor payments and reconciliation

Support pre-tour financial reviews by confirming contracted rates and payment terms

• Work closely with Operations, Sales, and Finance to ensure vendor agreements align with program needs
• Ensure supplier contracts support tour design, operational feasibility, and pricing deadlines
• Provide accurate contract information for budgeting, forecasting, and program planning
• Assist Operations team members as needed to support overall program success