Procurement & Vendor Relations Manager

Wittenbach Business Systems LLC • Glencoe, MD

1d

About The Position

Since 1974, Wittenbach has been a leading provider of innovative cash automation and security solutions for financial institutions. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and delivering results has driven our growth. With over 200 highly trained service professionals throughout our service area, we ensure rapid response to our customer’s service needs. The corporate office is in Sparks, Maryland along with regional operations in Hunt Valley, MD, Coatesville, PA and Charlotte, NC. Our Sales and Service footprint spans the Mid-West and East Coast.

Job Summary:
This position is a critical role responsible for strategically managing and optimizing relationships with key suppliers and vendors. This position ensures the timely and cost-effective procurement of high-quality products and services, driving operational efficiency and contributing to the company's overall success. The ideal candidate will be a skilled negotiator, a proactive problem-solver, and a strong communicator with a proven track record in procurement and vendor management.
The position will have three direct reports:
(3) Procurement Team members

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in subcontracting management or a similar role.
• Due to the nature of our business, qualified candidates must pass a drug, driving and criminal record check prior to being hired.
• Sedentary Work: Most of the time involves sitting, with occasional standing or walking.
• Fine Manual Dexterity: Ability to use fingers and hands to manipulate small objects, such as using a computer or writing.
• Near Vision: Ability to see objects within a close distance, such as reading documents or using a computer.
• Complex Problem Solving: Ability to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems related to subcontracting agreements, performance management, and risk mitigation.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to evaluate information, analyze options, and make informed decisions.
• Decision Making: Ability to make sound judgments and choices, often under pressure or with limited information.
• Active Listening: Ability to pay close attention to what others are saying and understand the implications of their messages.
• Persuasion: Ability to influence others through verbal and nonverbal communication to achieve desired outcomes.
• Negotiation: Ability to negotiate contracts, resolve disputes, and reach mutually beneficial agreements with subcontractors.
• Coordination: Ability to adjust actions to accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple subcontracting relationships and projects simultaneously.
• Stress Tolerance: Ability to withstand stressful situations, such as dealing with contract disputes or performance issues.
• Office Environment: Typically works in an office setting, with exposure to computers, printers, and other office equipment.
• Visit vendor facilities, which could involve walking through warehouses or production floors.
• Inspect products or materials, which could require bending, lifting, or standing for extended periods.
• Driving: Must be able to drive a vehicle for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours per day, consistently.
• Travel: May be required to travel to different locations for meetings, site visits, or vendors conventions. Must be able to travel overnight, including flights and overnight hotel stays up to 40% of the time.
• Individuals in this role must be comfortable with the challenges associated with extended travel and the potential for disruptions to their routine.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Vendor Relationship Management: Establish, cultivate, and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with existing and potential vendors.
• Control relationships with suppliers/vendors, ensuring alignment with company goals and standards.
• Seek new relationships to expand vendor networks and explore innovative sourcing opportunities.
• Procurement and Negotiation: Negotiate part pricing and discounts to achieve optimal cost savings and maintain competitive pricing.
• Develop and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and company requirements.
• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Order Tracking: Monitor order status, follow up with suppliers, and resolve any discrepancies or delays.
• Inventory Monitoring & Maintenance: Track inventory levels in company software to maintain optimal stock levels and avoid shortages or excess stock. Along with determining reorder points based on demand forecasts and lead times to ensure timely replenishment.
• Operational Excellence: Pressure on timing on receiving products, ensuring on-time delivery and minimizing disruptions to production and operations.
• Service Level Agreements—parts delivery: develop, implement, and monitor service level agreements with vendors, especially regarding parts delivery, to ensure consistent and reliable performance.
• Proactively address and resolve vendor-related issues and disputes.
• Monitor vendor performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Investigating, addressing and strategies for minimizing Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and Out-of-Box failures.
• Visibility and Communication: Visibility across all product lines, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of vendor performance and product availability.
• Provide regular reports and updates on vendor performance, market trends, and procurement activities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on vendor strategies and product requirements.
• Facilitate clear and effective communication between internal teams and external

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Financial Protection: Identity theft protection and voluntary life insurance
• Time Off: Generous PTO starting up to 120 hours after 30 days of employment, plus paid holidays (including your birthday)
• Employee Support: Access to the Employee Assistance Program and Employee Assistance Fund
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Flexible Spending: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Professional Development: Paid training opportunities and Education Assistance Program
• Referral Bonus: Earn up to $5,000 for referring new employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees