Supplier Relationship Specialist
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
About the Job
Position Overview
The Supplier Relationship Specialist is the primary "gatekeeper" for the University's supplier database. They provide critical support in supporting the University's purchasing and payables teams. This role reports directly to the Purchasing Operations Manager and will focus on precision and timeliness of executing recurring onboarding and maintenance tasks. They will work relatively independently, as requests enter the worklist, doing a preliminary screening of supplier applications and ensuring all requirements are met. They are also responsible for entering the data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS). This work is largely scripted by established procedures and guidelines. The primary responsibility is to ensure that incoming supplier data is clean, compliant, and properly categorized as it enters the Enterprise Financial System.
Work Location
This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.
Responsibilities Supplier Management & Compliance (75%)
Data Entry & Precision: Owns the entry process for new supplier onboarding in the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) system, as well as maintenance for existing suppliers, with an emphasis on accuracy to prevent downstream payment issues.
Documentation Review & "Push Back": Analyzes and verifies supplier tax forms and University forms (e.g., W-9, W-8 series) to ensure they fall within university standards. If documents are incomplete or non-compliant, this role is responsible for pushing back to the requester or supplier to request corrections. This role is responsible for routing these documents to the appropriate reviewer if there seems to be a larger discrepancy in the database, or if independent vs. employee contractor review is needed, based on Standard Operating Procedures.
Communication & Customer Support (20%)
Understanding the structure of the supplier database: Helps units identify why a supplier may or may not be able to be used on a Purchase Order based on the information that was provided, helps units identify addresses/location issues in Enterprise Financial System (EFS).
Problem Solving: Resolves problems of limited scope and complexity, such as correcting minor data conflicts or clarifying standard documentation requirements
Communication: Provides prompt, high-quality customer service by sharing relevant information with the right amount of detail to internal departments. Helps manage the supplier ticket queue in a timely manner.
Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement initiatives, contribute creative and collaborative ideas to management, and actively seek opportunities for self-development and training.
Other support tasks as assigned (5%)
Qualifications Required Qualifications (please document on resume):
BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
Ability to handle multiple projects at once.
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$51,100 - $58,432; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment:
100% Appointment
Position Type:
Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
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The Supplier Relationship Specialist is the primary "gatekeeper" for the University's supplier database. They provide critical support in supporting the University's purchasing and payables teams. This role reports directly to the Purchasing Operations Manager and will focus on precision and timeliness of executing recurring onboarding and maintenance tasks. They will work relatively independently, as requests enter the worklist, doing a preliminary screening of supplier applications and ensuring all requirements are met. They are also responsible for entering the data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS). This work is largely scripted by established procedures and guidelines. The primary responsibility is to ensure that incoming supplier data is clean, compliant, and properly categorized as it enters the Enterprise Financial System.
Work Location
This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.
Responsibilities Supplier Management & Compliance (75%)
Data Entry & Precision: Owns the entry process for new supplier onboarding in the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) system, as well as maintenance for existing suppliers, with an emphasis on accuracy to prevent downstream payment issues.
Documentation Review & "Push Back": Analyzes and verifies supplier tax forms and University forms (e.g., W-9, W-8 series) to ensure they fall within university standards. If documents are incomplete or non-compliant, this role is responsible for pushing back to the requester or supplier to request corrections. This role is responsible for routing these documents to the appropriate reviewer if there seems to be a larger discrepancy in the database, or if independent vs. employee contractor review is needed, based on Standard Operating Procedures.
Communication & Customer Support (20%)
Understanding the structure of the supplier database: Helps units identify why a supplier may or may not be able to be used on a Purchase Order based on the information that was provided, helps units identify addresses/location issues in Enterprise Financial System (EFS).
Problem Solving: Resolves problems of limited scope and complexity, such as correcting minor data conflicts or clarifying standard documentation requirements
Communication: Provides prompt, high-quality customer service by sharing relevant information with the right amount of detail to internal departments. Helps manage the supplier ticket queue in a timely manner.
Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement initiatives, contribute creative and collaborative ideas to management, and actively seek opportunities for self-development and training.
Other support tasks as assigned (5%)
Qualifications Required Qualifications (please document on resume):
BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
Ability to handle multiple projects at once.
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$51,100 - $58,432; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment:
100% Appointment
Position Type:
Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
#J-18808-Ljbffr