Supplier Relationship Specialist 2

Position Overview:
The Supplier Relationship Specialist II acts as the technical expert for the Purchasing Services Team. This role handles modestly technical or operational problems that cannot be resolved through standard scripts. They provide critical support in supporting the University's purchasing and payables teams by helping maintain a clean, and accurate supplier database. This position requires using foundational knowledge in tax literacy related to non-employee payments and business structure to make informed, final calls on complex supplier cases, such as suppliers with changes in ownership, suppliers with multiple "Doing Business As" names, etc., and how those changes are reflected in the University's database. They ensure there is a strong audit trail in these decisions and help maintain a clean, verifiable database in the University's 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 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:
Business Review & Supplier Structuring

• Advanced Tax Compliance: Probes deeply into supplier files to identify suppliers with ownership changes or business structure changes, and understands how this will impact the University's obligation for 1099 reporting.
• Final Decision Authority: Serves as the final point of escalation for complex issues structuring and tax implication issues. Makes the "final call" on how a supplier ID is structured in the University's database when there are complex relationships, or changes in a supplier's file, based on all information available and presented. Make changes to the database efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Strategic Optimization: Develops and implements strategies for tracking documentation and decision making process. They are expected to look beyond the immediate task to improve how the university manages its suppliers.
  

Communication & Leadership

• Technical Leadership: Mentors Level 1 staff and may lead project teams or committees related to best practices. Assists in providing training within this group as needed.
  Supplier Reach Out: Communicates with suppliers regarding questions about ownership changes and/or corporate structure. Collaborates with suppliers when needed about which businesses should be paid and when.
• Department Support: Provides prompt, high-quality customer service by informing units of which supplier ID to use and when, when complex database structure exists. Helps manage the supplier ticket queue in a timely manner.
  

Supplier Management & Audit Process

• Audit Existing Supplier Files: On a recurring basis, run queries to identify potential issues within the database and correct these issues. On a recurring basis, pull random supplier samples to test documentation available and reach out to the supplier if the documentation on file is outdated.
• Process Improvement: Identifies areas for improvement within the audit process and works with department leaders to help develop and implement.
  Supplier Management: Work with the central Purchasing Department to develop and implement standards to track supplier performance.
  

Other support tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications (please document on resume):

• BA/BS plus two years of professional work experience OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at once.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.
• Experience providing customer service.
  

Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume):

• Understanding of basic tax structure.
• Previous database management experience.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Finance.

Pay Range: $59,500 - $67,400 annual; 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

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. A resume and cover letter are required application materials.

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.

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

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.

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).