Vendor Account Manager
Location: Near Oak Brook, IL
Salary: $80,000 – $110,000
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
Vendor Management
- 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
