Account /Vendor Manager

American AI Logistics•Arlington, DC

About The Position

American AI Logistics (AAIL) is seeking a results-driven Vendor Manager / Account Manager to oversee relationships with aerospace and defense distributors, manufacturers, and subcontractors as part of Project Knudsen. The role serves as the primary point of contact for assigned vendor accounts and manages onboarding, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), supplier negotiations, production updates, inventory coordination, and delivery performance. The successful candidate will build partnerships, solve problems, negotiate effectively, and ensure supplier commitments are met in a fast-paced environment. The position works closely with Distributor Relations, Data Operations, Procurement, Compliance, Contracting, and Program Management teams. It supports supplier sourcing and performance, program execution, accurate documentation, and the transition of operational workflows into AAIL’s automated Knudsen platform. The role contributes to a technology-enabled defense supply chain model intended to improve military readiness, efficiency, and procurement timelines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
3–5+ years of experience in vendor management, account management, procurement, sourcing, or supplier relationship management.
Ability to manage multiple vendor or supplier accounts simultaneously.
Experience reviewing RFQs, analyzing quotations, and negotiating supplier pricing and delivery terms.
Strong understanding of supply chain operations, vendor performance management, and purchasing processes.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with CRM, ERP, or vendor management systems.
Ability to identify operational risks, resolve supplier issues, and work effectively across departments.
High attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and process compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, defense, military logistics, or government contracting.
Familiarity with Department of Defense procurement and supply chain operations.
Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), including government contracting requirements, subcontractor flow-down provisions, and supplier compliance obligations.
Experience working within a Quality Management System (QMS), including documented procedures, supplier qualification, recordkeeping, traceability, corrective actions, internal audits, and continuous improvement.
Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or AS9120 quality management standards and their application within aerospace and defense supply chains.
Knowledge of National Item Identification Numbers (NIINs), National Stock Numbers (NSNs), Federal Supply Classes (FSCs), CAGE codes, and OEM relationships.
Experience supporting military parts distributors, manufacturers, or defense prime contractors.
Familiarity with Other Transaction agreements and government subcontracting.
Understanding of supplier quality requirements, product traceability, certificates of conformance, and counterfeit-part prevention.
Working knowledge of DCMA inspection, Wide Area Workflow (WAWF), and defense logistics shipping procedures.
Experience with NetSuite, HubSpot, Power BI, or similar business management platforms.
Background working with multi-year supply agreements, inventory stocking programs, or demand-driven procurement models.
Experience in a growing organization implementing new technologies and automated business processes.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop relationships with assigned distributors, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor communications, operational questions, and issue resolution.
Coordinate vendor onboarding, including collection of company information, capabilities, certifications, and required documentation.
Establish regular vendor meetings, performance reviews, and communication schedules.
Identify opportunities to improve vendor participation, responsiveness, and performance.
Maintain accurate vendor records, contacts, capabilities, and communication history.
Manage RFQ communications and follow up to obtain timely and complete vendor responses.
Review supplier quotations for pricing, accuracy, lead times, quantities, product availability, and compliance with program requirements.
Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and commercial terms within established authority.
Resolve quotation discrepancies, missing information, and sourcing challenges.
Coordinate with Data Operations to evaluate supplier capabilities and align vendors with appropriate opportunities.
Maintain accurate quotation records, revisions, negotiation histories, and written supplier commitments.
Monitor vendor performance against contractual commitments, delivery schedules, and program requirements.
Coordinate production status updates, inventory availability, and replenishment activities.
Conduct recurring vendor status meetings to identify potential delays, shortages, and operational risks.
Work with Procurement and Compliance to resolve quality issues, documentation discrepancies, and delivery challenges.
Communicate purchase order requirements, inspection schedules, and fulfillment expectations to vendors.
Support corrective action activities and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Escalate delivery risks, contractual concerns, and unresolved issues to appropriate internal departments.
Collaborate with Data Operations on sourcing opportunities, quotation analysis, supplier performance metrics, and reporting.
Coordinate with Contracting on supplier agreements, amendments, and award documentation.
Work with Procurement and Compliance to ensure vendor activities meet contractual and quality requirements.
Maintain accurate records in company CRM, ERP, and supply chain management systems.
Prepare vendor status reports, RFQ tracking summaries, and performance updates.
Support continuous improvement initiatives as AAIL transitions operational workflows into its automated Knudsen platform.