Vendor Relations Specialist

Carnival Corporation•Fort Lauderdale, FL

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vendor Relations Specialist is responsible for managing and optimizing relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure efficient, compliant, and value-driven procurement and vendor management processes. This role leads vendor performance evaluation, contract compliance monitoring, and strategic vendor engagement initiatives. The Specialist drives purchase order accuracy, invoice resolution, vendor account management, and continuous process improvement while ensuring adherence to company policies and industry best practices. This position collaborates closely with finance, legal, operations, and business units to align vendor strategies with organizational objectives and deliver measurable business value.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related field required
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reporting
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools
5+ years of progressive experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain, or finance operations
Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and conducting performance reviews
Proven experience with invoice validation, account reconciliation, and dispute resolution
Experience working with enterprise procurement or financial systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, ServiceNow, Coupa, or similar)
Experience developing and implementing process improvements

Responsibilities

Builds and maintains strategic relationships with key vendors and internal stakeholders.
Leads vendor performance reviews, negotiates service improvements, and ensures clear communication channels for issue escalation and resolution.
Oversees the creation, tracking, and optimization of purchase orders.
Ensures accuracy, timeliness, and proper documentation while identifying opportunities for process efficiency and cost savings.
Leads invoice validation processes, resolves complex discrepancies with Accounts Payable and vendors, performs detailed vendor account reconciliations, and ensures timely and accurate payment processing.
Ensures procurement activities comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Conducts regular audits, maintains comprehensive procurement records, and supports internal and external audit activities.
Leads the development and implementation of vendor management best practices, standard operating procedures, and process improvements.
Identifies and implements technology solutions to enhance vendor management efficiency.
Performs other duties as assigned.