Supplier Relationship Specialist
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 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 to the University's purchasing and payables teams. This role reports directly to the Purchasing Operations Manager and focuses on precision and timeliness of executing recurring onboarding and maintenance tasks. The specialist works independently, screening supplier applications, ensuring compliance, and entering data into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS).
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 Minnesota may also be considered. 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%)
Owns the entry process for new supplier onboarding in the EFS, and maintains existing suppliers with a focus on accuracy to prevent downstream payment issues.
Analyzes and verifies supplier tax forms and University forms (e.g., W‑9, W‑8 series) to ensure compliance; if documents are incomplete or non‑compliant, pushes back to the requester or supplier for corrections or routes them to the appropriate reviewer per Standard Operating Procedures.
Communication & Customer Support (20%)
Helps units understand why a supplier may or may not be usable on a Purchase Order based on the information available and resolves address/location issues in EFS.
Resolves problems of limited scope, such as correcting minor data conflicts or clarifying standard documentation requirements.
Provides prompt, high‑quality customer service, sharing relevant information with the right amount of detail to internal departments and manages the supplier ticket queue in a timely manner.
Participates in continuous improvement initiatives, contributes creative ideas to management, and seeks 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 equal to 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
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Required application materials: Resume
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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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 Minnesota may also be considered. 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%)
Owns the entry process for new supplier onboarding in the EFS, and maintains existing suppliers with a focus on accuracy to prevent downstream payment issues.
Analyzes and verifies supplier tax forms and University forms (e.g., W‑9, W‑8 series) to ensure compliance; if documents are incomplete or non‑compliant, pushes back to the requester or supplier for corrections or routes them to the appropriate reviewer per Standard Operating Procedures.
Communication & Customer Support (20%)
Helps units understand why a supplier may or may not be usable on a Purchase Order based on the information available and resolves address/location issues in EFS.
Resolves problems of limited scope, such as correcting minor data conflicts or clarifying standard documentation requirements.
Provides prompt, high‑quality customer service, sharing relevant information with the right amount of detail to internal departments and manages the supplier ticket queue in a timely manner.
Participates in continuous improvement initiatives, contributes creative ideas to management, and seeks 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 equal to 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
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Required application materials: Resume
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
#J-18808-Ljbffr