Vendor Operations Analyst II

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)•Seattle, WA

About The Position

REI Co-op is united in finding better ways to work. The goal is to help people find and enjoy the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work. You also get support to live your best life. You help shape the future of the outdoors for people and the planet. The Vendor Operations team ensures goods and data flow smoothly between REI and vendor partners. This role onboards new vendors, manages operational processes, and ensures vendors follow REI’s compliance guidelines. The Vendor Operations Analyst monitors vendor performance and guides strategic discussions with vendors and internal teams to find and fix problems. This role builds exceptional business relationships between REI and vendor partners by promoting operational excellence and alignment. The job is both technical and business-focused, requiring effective communication and teamwork with external and internal partners across REI divisions. This job creates, maintains, and manages core vendor data in SAP, supporting key business functions in IT, Merchandising, Co-op Brands, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Digital, and Marketing. The Vendor Operations Analyst works with the Vendor Operations team to support EDI services for REI, including vendor onboarding, transaction mapping, quality checks, implementation support, and workflow management. Vendor Operations ensures vendors understand and follow corporate policy and compliance guidelines, and manages REI’s non-compliance program. This role helps create and enforce departmental strategies, policies, and standards using best practices for high-quality results. As a business process specialist, this job supports current projects and represents Vendor Operations on enterprise and cross-divisional projects. This role uses knowledge of business goals, technical skills, process improvement, and project management to deliver value and insights across the Co-op. The Vendor Operations Analyst acts according to REI’s guiding values and mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
1-3 years of professional experience, preferably in vendor operations, account management, or vendor performance management.
1-3 years of professional experience with process improvement for retail, logistics, or finance business units.
1-3 years of experience supporting or managing EDI programs.
1-3 years of experience with SAP transaction codes. Experience with vendor data management query tools and tables for Materials Management and Pricing.
Proficient skills including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Access, and Analysis for Office.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to manage high email volume efficiently using Outlook.

Nice To Haves

1-3 years professional experience working in a retail setting.
SQL Experience.
Certification in LEAN, Six Sigma, or project management.

Responsibilities

Performs vendor account management for all Merchandising and Co-op Brands vendor partners. Requires collaboration with internal partners, such as Merchandising, Logistics, DCs, Finance, Sustainability, Retail, Marketing, and IT. Shares information, provides support, and delivers excellent customer service. Works to improve overall vendor performance against REI’s operational guidelines.
Supports REI’s non-compliance program by managing many vendor chargebacks and resolving related disputes. Examines root causes and provides education on REI’s compliance guidelines. Reviews vendor performance scorecards and negotiates resolutions. Ensures financial chargebacks are accurate, fostering accountability and strengthening vendor relationships.
Supports inbound and outbound EDI transactions for REI. This includes vendor EDI enablement, EDI transaction mapping, testing, and quality assurance. Provides ongoing transaction monitoring and support.
Ensures vendor Advance Ship Notices (ASNs) are sent accurately via EDI. Investigates and resolves failed EDI ASN transactions and SAP Idoc errors. Examines failed EDI invoice transactions and SAP Idoc failures. Resolves issues as needed and reprocesses invoices for payment.
Manages the new vendor onboarding process for all vendors. Collaborates with vendors, Merchandising, Supply Chain, and EDI providers. Ensures each vendor is fully onboarded and ready for Purchase Orders.
Monitors, examines, intakes, and manages enterprise core vendor data to ensure quality and accuracy of all SAP vendor records.
Develops and maintains clear operational documentation and training materials to support system and process changes. Manages the planning and execution of training and rollout for new or improved tools and workflows.
Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) to internal cross-divisional partners, external vendor partners, and external program partners. Advises on best practices and solutions related to Vendor Operations and core vendor data in SAP. This includes functionality, data flow, and functional architecture of supported systems and programs. Guides internal partners on best practices for data retrieval and usage. Promotes consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across business processes.
Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset by finding opportunities in business areas or projects. Enhances efficiency and drives operational excellence.
Fulfills other duties as assigned.