Manager, Vendor Relations and Dispute Resolution

Position Overview

Amerit Fleet Solutions, one of the leading fleet maintenance companies in the US, is looking to hire a skilled Manager of Vendor Relations & Dispute Resolution.

 

The Manager of Vendor Relations & Dispute Resolution leads a team of four specialists responsible for managing vendor onboarding, account setup and maintenance, and the resolution of billing disputes and escalations. This leader sets the strategic direction for the vendor relations function, ensures operational excellence, develops and mentors team members, and maintains critical vendor partnerships. The role requires strong leadership capabilities, vendor management expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to drive process improvements that enhance efficiency and strengthen vendor relationships.

Compensation: Competitive Salary Pay - Paid weekly, every Friday! Salary Range: $100,000-110,000 depending on experience.

 

The benefits of belonging – what’s in it for you? 

 

• Full benefits within 30 days
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, disability insurance
• 401(k) match program
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Commitment to your safety through boot and prescription safety glasses reimbursement
• Career and learning development with an extensive training program through our Amerit University
• Employee referral program, up to $1,000 bonus
• ASE certification program with fee reimbursement and bonus
• Employee recognition platform that includes opportunities to redeem points for merchandise
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 24/7 nurse triage line
• Employee discounts on cell phone service and entertainment tickets
• Employee resource groups (ERGs) that foster inclusion
• Wellness and fitness programs through our providers

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development● Directly manage and oversee a team of four, including hiring, performance management, and professional development● Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions and team meetings to review workload, monitor progress against priorities, and ensure alignment with departmental objectives● Foster a culture of open communication, encouraging team members to raise questions, concerns, and barriers affecting performance● Provide coaching, guidance, and mentoring to develop team capabilities and prepare high performers for advancement● Remove obstacles to success and reinforce accountability for meeting established expectations, quality standards, and deadlines● Set performance metrics and conduct regular performance reviews against departmental objectives and individual goalsStrategic Vendor Relations & Escalation Management● Maintain and strengthen relationships with key national account vendors ● Lead recurring status meetings and working sessions with national account vendors to review accounts receivables, disputed POs, aging invoices, process challenges, and action items● Handle high-priority vendor escalations and complex disputes requiring management-level resolution and negotiation● Escalate and resolve critical aging invoice issues and billing discrepancies that impact cash flow or vendor relationships● Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to remove barriers, improve processes, and expedite resolution of open issuesOperational Oversight & Process Optimization● Provide oversight of vendor onboarding workflows, account setup and maintenance processes, and dispute resolution procedures● Monitor key performance metrics including ticket resolution times, dispute closure rates, aging balances, and vendor satisfaction● Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and workflow optimization; lead implementation of enhanced procedures● Review and ensure quality of team deliverables including vendor documentation, dispute resolutions, and account configurations● Oversee compliance with established processes, service level expectations, and company policies across the functionCross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management● Participate in New Business Implementation (NBI) meetings to ensure vendor onboarding readiness and support successful customer implementations● Coordinate with Accounts Payable, Finance, Operations, and other departments to resolve escalations and address systemic issues● Serve as subject matter expert and escalation point for complex vendor, PO, and billing issues requiring senior-level involvement● Partner with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives (e.g., account sunsetting processes, vendor program improvements)Reporting & Strategic Planning● Prepare regular reporting on team performance, vendor metrics, aging invoices, dispute resolution status, and identified trends● Identify and recommend process improvements, technology investments, and organizational changes that enhance efficiency and vendor satisfaction● Set annual goals and objectives for the team aligned with organizational strategy; track and communicate progress toward goalsRequired Qualifications● 5+ years of experience in vendor management, account management, operations, or related field● 2+ years of direct team management or supervisory experience● Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple stakeholders simultaneously● Strong experience with dispute resolution and complex negotiation● Excellent written and verbal communication skills● Proficiency with email, collaboration tools, spreadsheets, and business systems● Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with proven ability to drive process improvement● Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and respond to shifting prioritiesPreferred Qualifications● Fleet management, transportation, or automotive industry experience● Experience with Zendesk or similar ticketing systems● Background in dispute resolution, billing, accounts payable, or finance operations● Experience with process improvement methodologies or continuous improvement initiativesKey Competencies● Leadership & Team Development● Vendor Relationship Management● Conflict Resolution & Negotiation● Strategic Thinking & Planning● Process Improvement & Optimization● Cross-Functional Collaboration● Performance Management & Accountability● Communication & Stakeholder Engagement● Decision-Making & Problem-SolvingWork EnvironmentThis role operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent vendor, cross-functional, and team communications. The position requires flexibility to respond to urgent escalations and shifting priorities. Regular communication includes email, phone calls, video meetings, and participation in cross-functional working sessions and vendor calls.