Vendor Account Manager
Sterling Engineering, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, United States
Overview
A well-established
family-owned manufacturer of industrial water chillers and process cooling systems
is seeking a
Vendor Account Manager
to support purchasing operations and supplier relationships. These chillers are used in advanced technology and industrial applications where reliable temperature control is critical.
This role plays a key part in ensuring the organization maintains strong vendor partnerships while keeping materials flowing to support manufacturing schedules. The Vendor Account Manager will work closely with engineering, operations, quality, and inventory teams to manage supplier performance, inventory planning, and purchasing strategy.
The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, and comfortable managing
vendors, planning inventory, and coordinating cross-functionally
in a manufacturing environment.
This position reports to the
Director of Operations .
Key Responsibilities
Maintain professional communication with suppliers via phone and email while representing the company’s collaborative culture
Organize annual meetings with key vendors to maintain strong relationships
Coordinate discussions between vendors and engineering regarding new and existing components used in the company’s
industrial water chiller systems
Develop a working technical understanding of the parts you purchase and how they support chiller assemblies
Present vendor scorecard feedback annually and collaborate on performance improvements
Evaluate supplier performance to determine opportunities for alternative vendors based on quality, pricing, or reliability
Work with engineering to approve new vendors and components when needed
Inventory & Purchasing Management
Maintain appropriate inventory levels based on customer forecasts and vendor lead times
Manage ERP data including safety stock levels and reorder points
Purchase materials strategically to optimize price breaks, freight efficiency, and warehouse space
Implement and manage vendor stocking agreements
Project Coordination
Coordinate supplier-related project meetings
Communicate project updates to internal teams and vendors
Escalate schedule risks or delays to the Materials Manager when needed
Qualifications
Experience in
purchasing, supply chain, vendor management, or materials planning
in a manufacturing environment
Experience working with
ERP/MRP systems
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, and suppliers
Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail
Experience resolving supplier performance or supply chain issues
Technical aptitude and comfort working with
mechanical components or industrial equipment
preferred
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family-owned manufacturer of industrial water chillers and process cooling systems
is seeking a
Vendor Account Manager
to support purchasing operations and supplier relationships. These chillers are used in advanced technology and industrial applications where reliable temperature control is critical.
This role plays a key part in ensuring the organization maintains strong vendor partnerships while keeping materials flowing to support manufacturing schedules. The Vendor Account Manager will work closely with engineering, operations, quality, and inventory teams to manage supplier performance, inventory planning, and purchasing strategy.
The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, and comfortable managing
vendors, planning inventory, and coordinating cross-functionally
in a manufacturing environment.
This position reports to the
Director of Operations .
Key Responsibilities
Maintain professional communication with suppliers via phone and email while representing the company’s collaborative culture
Organize annual meetings with key vendors to maintain strong relationships
Coordinate discussions between vendors and engineering regarding new and existing components used in the company’s
industrial water chiller systems
Develop a working technical understanding of the parts you purchase and how they support chiller assemblies
Present vendor scorecard feedback annually and collaborate on performance improvements
Evaluate supplier performance to determine opportunities for alternative vendors based on quality, pricing, or reliability
Work with engineering to approve new vendors and components when needed
Inventory & Purchasing Management
Maintain appropriate inventory levels based on customer forecasts and vendor lead times
Manage ERP data including safety stock levels and reorder points
Purchase materials strategically to optimize price breaks, freight efficiency, and warehouse space
Implement and manage vendor stocking agreements
Project Coordination
Coordinate supplier-related project meetings
Communicate project updates to internal teams and vendors
Escalate schedule risks or delays to the Materials Manager when needed
Qualifications
Experience in
purchasing, supply chain, vendor management, or materials planning
in a manufacturing environment
Experience working with
ERP/MRP systems
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, and suppliers
Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail
Experience resolving supplier performance or supply chain issues
Technical aptitude and comfort working with
mechanical components or industrial equipment
preferred
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