Supervisor Vendor Relations

The Vendor Relations Supervisor leads a team of 5 direct reports that serves as a single point of contact to vendors and cross-functional teams for merchandise operations inquiries and support. The Vendor Relations Supervisor provides oversight of team’s daily processes and ensures work is being executed according to departmental standards; collaborates with vendors and internal partners to resolve open issues; facilitates training new vendors on Burlington’s operational requirements and systems.

The Vendor Relations Supervisor leads a team of 5 direct reports that serves as a single point of contact to vendors and cross-functional teams for merchandise operations inquiries and support. The Vendor Relations Supervisor provides oversight of team’s daily processes and ensures work is being executed according to departmental standards; collaborates with vendors and internal partners to resolve open issues; facilitates training new vendors on Burlington’s operational requirements and systems.

ANALYSIS

• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) to address and answer questions from team members and internal partners related to Burlington merchandise operations.
• Monitor content and timing of team responses to ensure accurate and timely communication.
• Remain close to daily work incidents and elevate issues as needed.
• Review and analyze reporting to ensure open incidents are current and being actioned as needed.
• Help establish and maintain departmental Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Monitor team’s workload and provides recommendations to Manager of potential work balancing.
• Observe vendor training calls and offer support as needed; ensure quality of calls meet departmental standards.
• Oversee the maintenance, organization and documentation of team’s work processes.
• Review and authorize vendor exemptions for ticketing, packing and processing exceptions.

• Participate and assist with organizing on and off-site vendor meetings.
• Maintain open and clear communication with Manager on work issues and ideas for process improvement.
• Regularly coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams and develop business solutions with senior leadership.
• Involve and support team members to ensure constructive vendor relationships are created and fostered for both new and established vendors.

• Demonstrate a service mindset and a strong sense of urgency.
• Model Burlington’s Core Values and instill those values in team.
• Coach and develop team members through regular group and one-on-one meetings; offer feedback and support to individuals and demonstrate courage by engaging in difficult conversations when needed; help individuals maximize their productivity levels and achieve their full potential in their current roles.
• Assess associates’ performance and provide development opportunities to team members to promote growth and development.

• Support manager in leading departmental projects that support Burlington initiatives.
• Promote change management for team members and business stakeholders.
• Assist with creating reference materials and facilitate training experiences for team members and merchants.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

• 3+ years’ supervisory experience in retail, vendor relations or customer service is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and motivate a team.
• General retail merchandising and/or supply chain knowledge required.
• Can thrive in a fast-paced work environment and easily adapt to shifting priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and business acumen.
• Must…