Vendor Management Coordinator

Since 1998, RKON has delivered IT transformation that helps private equity and enterprise firms achieve seamless security—from strategy to execution to managed services. We believe IT should serve the business strategy, not stand in the way of execution. Headquartered in Chicago, our team has developed a refined approach that delivers a clear vision of a scalable, agile, secure, cost-optimized, and low-risk end state.

RKON is growing fast, and that growth means incredible opportunities for our team members. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of creative thinking and collaboration, where ideas are valued, contributions are recognized, and professional development is a priority. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and this commitment drives the extraordinary level of service we deliver to our customers.

If you’re looking for a place where growth creates new possibilities and your potential is truly valued, RKON is the place for you.

The Vendor Management Associate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with RKON’s vendors and distributors. This individual will collaborate cross-functionally with various departments within the organization to ensure that vendor performance meets or exceeds our expectations and contributes to the overall success of the company.

This position is based in Chicago offering flexibility and a hybrid environment.

• Ensures the end-to-end vendor management processes and sales operations procurement policies are implemented efficiently.
• Build and maintain vendor and distributor relationships with the objectives of eliminating inefficiencies, reducing total costs, and increasing productivity.
• Build optimized processes for vendor identification, selection (RFP/RFIs when appropriate), onboarding, and change management.
• Procuring and processing internal company orders related to software and equipment.
• Support contract reviews and renewals and make recommendations to mitigate business and contractual risk, while ensuring favorable terms and conditions that align with business objectives.
• Collaborate with and support Accounting with activities that include invoice validation, billing dispute resolution, cost analysis, and benchmarking.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and provide feedback to vendors as necessary.
• Serve as the point of contact to resolve any issues or disputes that may arise with vendors in a timely and effective manner.
• Work toward the standardization of vendor management processes that achieve compliance standards and enable practical, efficient business functions.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field: information technology, business, supply chain, finance, or relevant work experience.
• 2+ years of experience in vendor management, technology procurement, or supply chain management; experience purchasing software and cloud services, a plus.
• Expertise in the IT supplier market: major suppliers, trends, threats/cyber security, terms, etc.
• Hands-on expertise developing and implementing programs for cost reduction, vendor relationship management, asset tagging and tracking, supplier performance management, and well-versed in all stages of IT procurement.
• Understanding vendor contract language.
• Strong MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook) skills, including data analytics.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Must be energetic, self-motivated, and work well in a team environment with the ability to operate independently.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapts and thrives in a fast-paced environment; periodically reevaluates processes for business process improvement and modernization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Possesses a high level of critical thinking to determine the best vendor prices, process, and products available.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and…