Vendor Returns Specialist

Sonepar

3d•$60,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Vendor Returns Specialist manages the end-to-end lifecycle of defective, overstocked, and incorrect electrical components returned to suppliers. This role blends operational execution, vendor coordination, and data analysis to protect inventory accuracy, maximize credit recovery, and ensure compliance with vendor return policies and internal controls. This position owns the stock and defective returns process end-to-end and partners with Branch Operations, Distribution Centers, Product Management, Purchasing, Finance, and Inventory Quality to reduce reserves, improve working capital, and prevent future excess and obsolescence. The role also evaluates transportation spending, optimizes shipping and consolidation strategies, and collaborates with carriers and vendors to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Business, or a related field (preferred).
3–5 years of experience in vendor returns, inventory control, supply chain, or distribution operations.
Working knowledge of vendor return policies, RMAs, credits, and inventory disposition processes.
Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills with vendors and internal stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills; proficient with ERP systems and inventory reporting tools (e.g., Excel/BI reporting).
Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively across multiple functions and locations.
Excellent organization, follow-up, and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

Own and manage the stock and defective returns process, from identification through credit reconciliation.
Create and maintain monthly return schedules by vendor based on agreed terms and conditions.
Ensure return activity complies with company SOPs, vendor policies, and financial controls.
Maintain accurate records of RMAs, shipments, credits, and final disposition outcomes.
Use system reports, data tools, and SOP criteria to identify items eligible for return, scrap, or credit.
Submit return requests to Product Managers for review, validation, and approval.
Coordinate with vendor contacts to obtain Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) and/or scrap-credit approvals.
Monitor RMA status and drive timely issuance, communication, and processing.
Enter approved RMAs into the ERP system and distribute documentation to branches and distribution centers.
Follow up with branch and DC teams to ensure RMAs are executed accurately and within required timelines.
Partners with operations to ensure product movement, labeling, and packaging meet SOP and vendor requirements.
Resolve denied or restricted return requests by: Negotiating with vendors for returns or credits not initially authorized. Engaging Buyers, Pricing, and Purchasing leadership to support escalations and improve outcomes.
Track non-returnable inventory balances and review options with management (e.g., sell-off strategies or write-off requests).
Coordinate final disposition decisions with the Inventory Quality & Integrity Manager.
Reconcile vendor credits for returned or scrapped products to ensure accurate financial recovery.
Partner with Finance to validate credits, resolve discrepancies, and maintain audit readiness.
Track and report return volumes, recovery rates, cycle times, and reserve-reduction impact.
Analyze transportation expenses tied to returns and scrap activity.
Optimize shipping routes and return consolidation to reduce freight cost.
Collaborate with carriers and internal logistics partners to improve service levels and cost control.
Partner with Inventory Quality, Product Management, Purchasing, and Operations to identify root causes of returns and prevent recurrence.
Recommend actions to reduce excess, defective, and non-returnable inventory.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve SOPs, vendor terms, and return execution.
Perform other duties as assigned.