Manager, Vendor Relations and Dispute Resolution

Team Leadership & Development● Directly manage and oversee a team of four, including hiring, performance management, and professional development● Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions and team meetings to review workload, monitor progress against priorities, and ensure alignment with departmental objectives● Foster a culture of open communication, encouraging team members to raise questions, concerns, and barriers affecting performance● Provide coaching, guidance, and mentoring to develop team capabilities and prepare high performers for advancement● Remove obstacles to success and reinforce accountability for meeting established expectations, quality standards, and deadlines● Set performance metrics and conduct regular performance reviews against departmental objectives and individual goalsStrategic Vendor Relations & Escalation Management● Maintain and strengthen relationships with key national account vendors ● Lead recurring status meetings and working sessions with national account vendors to review accounts receivables, disputed POs, aging invoices, process challenges, and action items● Handle high-priority vendor escalations and complex disputes requiring management-level resolution and negotiation● Escalate and resolve critical aging invoice issues and billing discrepancies that impact cash flow or vendor relationships● Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to remove barriers, improve processes, and expedite resolution of open issuesOperational Oversight & Process Optimization● Provide oversight of vendor onboarding workflows, account setup and maintenance processes, and dispute resolution procedures● Monitor key performance metrics including ticket resolution times, dispute closure rates, aging balances, and vendor satisfaction● Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and workflow optimization; lead implementation of enhanced procedures● Review and ensure quality of team deliverables including vendor documentation, dispute resolutions, and account configurations● Oversee compliance with established processes, service level expectations, and company policies across the functionCross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management● Participate in New Business Implementation (NBI) meetings to ensure vendor onboarding readiness and support successful customer implementations● Coordinate with Accounts Payable, Finance, Operations, and other departments to resolve escalations and address systemic issues● Serve as subject matter expert and escalation point for complex vendor, PO, and billing issues requiring senior-level involvement● Partner with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives (e.g., account sunsetting processes, vendor program improvements)Reporting & Strategic Planning● Prepare regular reporting on team performance, vendor metrics, aging invoices, dispute resolution status, and identified trends● Identify and recommend process improvements, technology investments, and organizational changes that enhance efficiency and vendor satisfaction● Set annual goals and objectives for the team aligned with organizational strategy; track and communicate progress toward goalsRequired Qualifications● 5+ years of experience in vendor management, account management, operations, or related field● 2+ years of direct team management or supervisory experience● Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple stakeholders simultaneously● Strong experience with dispute resolution and complex negotiation● Excellent written and verbal communication skills● Proficiency with email, collaboration tools, spreadsheets, and business systems● Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with proven ability to drive process improvement● Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and respond to shifting prioritiesPreferred Qualifications● Fleet management, transportation, or automotive industry experience● Experience with Zendesk or similar ticketing systems● Background in dispute resolution, billing, accounts payable, or finance operations● Experience with process improvement methodologies or continuous improvement initiativesKey Competencies● Leadership & Team Development● Vendor Relationship Management● Conflict Resolution & Negotiation● Strategic Thinking & Planning● Process Improvement & Optimization● Cross-Functional Collaboration● Performance Management & Accountability● Communication & Stakeholder Engagement● Decision-Making & Problem-SolvingWork EnvironmentThis role operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent vendor, cross-functional, and team communications. The position requires flexibility to respond to urgent escalations and shifting priorities. Regular communication includes email, phone calls, video meetings, and participation in cross-functional working sessions and vendor calls.