Vendor Relations Manager

Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting bulk commodities on America's inland waterways, delivering fuel and supplies to the towing industry, and providing a ship anchorage in Louisiana. As the leading carrier, we operate a fleet that transport aggregates, grain, fertilizer, coal, ores, alloys, steel products, chemicals, and other products.

We're committed to being the best at whatever we do. We're continuously growing, adapting, and responding, and we're successful because of the outstanding hard work and creative energy of our associates.

Ingram Marine Group is looking for a Vendor Relations Manager in the Nashville, TN area who will lead the management processes for external service providers.  This role involves developing vendors into reliable partners who consistently deliver best-in-class service and value.  The position will focus on External Services vendors and internal customer relationships, business processes and strategy planning.  The associate has a key role in future planning and analysis related to assets, real estate needs, and vendor requirements.

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys building strong working relationships while also digging into data and solving problems. An ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities at the same time. Communicating well with different teams and look for practical ways to improve processes and control costs is essential. This role is for someone who likes taking ownership, thinking ahead, and helping operations run smoother through strong partnerships and smart decisions.

What you'll be doing:

• Working closely interdepartmentally with Logistics/Customer Service, Sales, Legal, Operations, Custom Fuel Service, Accounts Payable, and Information Services
• Analyzing market data, internal operations, sales projections, and geographic trends to effectively manage and negotiate External Services agreements
• Participating in planning/budgeting for fleet lease, vessel charter and vendor services
• Evaluating supplier base, lease holdings, and operational needs to ensure external provider needs are met and stable going forward
• Managing vendor development, reviews, and performance
• Proactively seeking feedback on vendor performance and strategic needs from internal stakeholders
• Implementing and administering real estate/fleeting lease, charters and vendor programs

• Leading vendor cost-saving, performance management, and improvement efforts, including:
  • Consulting with internal stakeholders to ensure needs are consistently met and leading resolution of any issues
  • Partnering with vendors to ensure consistent service excellence, competitive pricing, and ongoing performance improvement
  • Providing regular and ad-hoc reporting, analysis, and presentations to support data-driven vendor evaluation and strategic decision-making
  • Continuously monitoring and assessing market conditions, vendor pricing, and vendor performance to identify contract needs, cost-saving opportunities, and risks
  • Designing and overseeing exception-based invoice reviews and vendor audits, including identifying and addressing root causes of exceptions and recouping funds
  • Identifying and implementing process improvements and expense reduction initiatives

• Implementing and administering third-party service provider agreements in designated areas, including:
  • Creating template-based vendor agreements in collaboration with internal stakeholders including Legal, Logistics, Operations, Finance, and Accounting
  • Serving as project leader and primary point of contact for vendor agreements, liaising between parties though contract development, negotiations, and execution
  • Creating bid packages and evaluating vendor proposals
  • Providing analysis and recommendations to stakeholders and senior leadership
  • Leading cross-functional meetings of internal stakeholders and vendors
  • Cultivating partnership-focused, positive relationships with internal stakeholders and vendors
  • Managing the contract pipeline, ensuring timely execution, thorough follow-through, and complete record-keeping
  • Achieving comprehensive win-win agreements that achieve company objectives, maximize IBCO’s financial and operational opportunities, and minimize risk
  • Tracking performance metrics and ensuring contract compliance throughout contract lifecycle

• Implementing, administering, and championing technology solutions to more effectively monitor and control third-party spend, identify and resolve exceptions, and develop reporting to better understand trends, gaps, and opportunities
• Providing backup for other roles as needed
• On-call duties as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Previous shoreside marine, transportation, or supply chain experience a strong plus
• Previous contract management experience a strong plus
• Demonstrated ability to proactively and efficiently identify and solve problems
• Self-starter with the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others and the drive to deliver meaningful results
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Ability to manage multiple vendors simultaneously
• Effective negotiation and conflict management skills
• Demonstrated analytical abilities and proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and a variety of tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with the Logistics/Customer Service, Sales, Legal, Operations, Custom Fuel Service, Accounts Payable and Information Services Departments
• Passion for creating partnerships and exceeding stakeholder expectations

Other Experience Needed:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3 - 5 years of experience in vendor relations required

Working Environment and Conditions:

• Up to 20% travel required with a focus on Ingram Barge Company's stakeholders and vendor meetings

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines

If you are requesting reasonable accommodation or disability assistance in submitting your application, you may email us at [email protected]

Ingram Marine Group and its affiliates (“Company”) is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, work related mental or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. 

EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled

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