The Vendor Relationship Specialist supports vendor management activities by assisting with the maintenance and accuracy of the supplier database, supporting vendor onboarding processes, and providing day-to-day assistance to internal stakeholders and suppliers. This role works closely with the Vendor Relationship Manager to help ensure vendor records are accurate, compliant, and aligned with organizational standards. The Vendor Relationship Specialist plays a supportive role in supplier communication, training, and performance tracking, helping to maintain positive working relationships with vendors while ensuring procurement systems and processes are followed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with acting as a liaison to initiate, coordinate, and assist with overseeing the supplier onboarding process in alignment with university policies.
• Assist with maintaining accurate, complete, and compliant supplier records in the procurement system.
• Provide administrative and operational support during supplier onboarding.
• Assist with vendor training related to the use of the organization’s procurement systems.
• Input, review, and maintain vendor documentation, including W-9s, 1099s, and Certificates of Insurance (COIs).
• Verify supplier information for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with Risk Management to support COI tracking and documentation.
• Assist with supplier training, communication, and education materials.
• Support supplier performance tracking by maintaining data, audits, and documentation.
• Help identify vendors for review and support vendor evaluation processes as directed.
• Assist with maintaining the supplier management module within the procurement system.
• Assist with maintaining a healthy supplier database.
• Assist with annual vendor expo events, activities, and presentations.
• Develops a strong technical understanding of the procurement systems in use.
• Regularly pursues professional development.
• Perform other duties and assist with procurement activities and team member coverage as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates-level college degree with a concentration in Business or Supply chain Management, or 2+ year into an equivalent degree program.
• One to three years of professional experience in a procurement environment, though internships or strongly related coursework can substitute.
• Familiar with procurement and source-to-pay software systems.
• Well-developed reasoning, communication, and customer service skills.
• Strong computer skills including effective use of MS Office software, Outlook, and Teams.
• Demonstrates strong technical and business writing skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to deliver clear, compelling presentations.
• Ability to articulate and defend the unique Christian educational mission and vision of Liberty University and its subsidiaries to a wide variety of individuals and groups.
• Individual must not be in default on any federal student or parent loan.
• Individual must not be convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of federal, state, or local government funds, -or- be administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving federal, state, or local government funds (CFR 668.14(b)(18)(i))

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification by a recognized professional Contract/Procurement/Purchasing organization is desired; including: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Associate in Contract Management (CACM), or Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).
• Bachelors-level degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Working knowledge of Banner preferred.
• Lean or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience using Jaggaer & Emburse, or any, source-to-pay procurement software.
• Fluent in Spanish or American Sign Language. 

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively understand and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, in a clear, articulate, and professional manner, conveying complex ideas and information.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.
• Excellent computer skills including detailed knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong organizational skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage changes in priorities as need arises.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to locations throughout Virginia and occasionally out of state.
• Frequently requires sitting for extended periods to perform deskwork and efficiently and accurately interface with computer systems via keyboard and mouse.
• Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally, including use of phone, video conferencing software, instant chat, and other communication methods.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the workplace.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The work environment to typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office environment, including a mix of cubicles and offices, with moderate noise levels. Additional time may be spent in internal customer work areas and warehouse environments.   

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.  Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.