As a Vendor Relations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing UAS’ global trip support operations by building, maintaining, and optimizing supplier relationships across North and South America. This role demands exceptional negotiation skills, operational efficiency, and a proactive approach to ensuring seamless trip support services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain supplier relationships in North and South America
• Identify service providers in different market segments, including ground handling and airport support personnel, handling agents, catering companies, ground transportation providers, security providers, and other entities essential to our daily business of providing high level international trip support.
• Proactively drive and manage relationships with suppliers and business partners to support current and future requirements.
• Analyze vendor bids/proposals and make recommendations to management based on the results of the analyses.
• Responsible for negotiating the best ad hoc Terms & Conditions and pricing structures with Local Aviation Services Suppliers in the absence of a solidified relationship/partner within the local region.
• Prepare administrative reports and budgets, as well as Quality of Service reports. Provide dispute resolution on behalf of UAS and our customers.
• Support in the resolution of any commercial dispute with suppliers/providers.
• Control Supplier/Vendor invoices by reducing errors in invoices and ensuring commitment to prices.
• Ensure all invoices are submitted on time within the network with actual back-up from third party.
• Develop & implement a vendor audit system to evaluate: Quality, Performance, Customer Service, and Invoicing.
• Responsible for building and maintaining a strong number of Suppliers/Vendors at all strategic airport locations.
• Ensure that the client profile is reviewed in advance for every aircraft that is supervised. Become an expert in each client and know their standard service requirements, special requirements, fleet details, etc.
• Responsible for building rapport with every airport vendor, understanding their roles and methods of operation.
• Ensure that all services requested are ready and waiting and provided successfully.
• Hand delivers the QSR to be signed by the PIC and notes all feedback provided by the crew.
• Be a point of contact for the crew while they are on ground.
• Research and learn everything about the client (Landing, Departure, Clients general details).
• Assist crew, ensure they will have no issues clearing immigration and customs should they require to remain in the UAS over night or for a few days.
• Handles client queries and concerns in an efficient and calm manner.
• Offers solutions and takes the lead to solve the problem.
• Proposes improvements and suggestions to better serve the client and meet UAS expectations.
• Responsible for reviewing all arrangements with the agent before the aircraft lands.

Skills, Experience & Qualification

• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement/vendor relations in business aviation.
• FBO background is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Flexibility and ability to work in shift and irregular working pattern is required.
• Due to the nature of this role, which requires extensive travel to oversee flights across various states and airports, candidates must be located in Houston, Texas.