Vendor Relationship Manager

Dealership:

Vendor Relationship Manager
Location: Medford, OR (preferred) | Open to Remote

Lithia & Driveway (LAD) is one of the largest global automotive retailers providing a wide array of products and services throughout the ownership lifecycle with a vision to modernize personal transportation solutions wherever, whenever, and however consumers desire.  

With a mission of "Growth Powered by People," we are propelled by our colleagues and preferred by our customers, making Lithia & Driveway the leading automotive retailer in each of our markets.  

Our success is fueled by four core values:  

·         Earning Customers for Life  

·         Improving Constantly  

·         Taking Personal Ownership  

·         Having Fun  

Our entrepreneurial, high-performance culture sets us apart, and our philosophy is straightforward: assemble a team of passionate individuals and cultivate an environment that empowers colleagues to excel.  

We’d love to have you join us on our journey!

The Vendor Relationship Manager (VRM) works closely with and supports the Category Managers. The VRM’s primary role is supporting the rollout of vendor programs, ensuring dealerships understand program details, benefits and expectations. The VRM updates and maintains vendor scorecards for performance tracking and business reviews. The VRM serves as the first point of contact for vendor-related inquiries from dealerships, tracking and following up on unresolved issues and escalates them when necessary. Additionally, the VRM liaises between Category Managers and field operations to communicate program changes, term updates and performance concerns.

What You’ll Do:  

• First contact with issues and questions from internal customers regarding vendors

• Manage department email inbox

• Provide excellent customer service over the phone, in person, and via email

• Provide back-up coverage and daily operational support to the team

• Understand and apply program strategies to promote vendor efficiency

• Track and review contracts for renewal, monitor expiration dates, renewal options, proactively review for termination or renewal with department or dealership confirmation

• Assist Category Managers and business partners in the sourcing and selection of suppliers

• Assist with scheduling business reviews and RFP meetings between vendors, Category Managers, and stake holders.

• Work with Category Managers to manage and analyze supplier data

What You’ll Bring:  

• Strong attention to detail

• Sense of urgency

• Excellent communication

• Time Management

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe

• Experience with vendor contracts a plus

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Finance is preferred

We Offer Best-in-Class Industry Benefits:  

·         Competitive pay  

·         Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans  

·         Paid Holidays & PTO  

·         Short and Long-Term Disability  

·         Paid Life Insurance  

·         401(k) Retirement Plan  

·         Employee Stock Purchase Plan  

·         Lithia Learning Center  

·         Vehicle Purchase Discounts  

·         Wellness Programs  

Qualifications:  

·         High School graduate or equivalent required  

·         18 years or older  

·         We are a drug-free workplace  

We are committed to equal employment opportunity (regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status). We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.