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Operations Specialist-Vendor Manager

Direct Supply · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you used automation or AI to cut manual work out of a process. What did it save?

What they are checking: Whether they have actually reduced manual effort with tools, which the posting expects, and can measure the result.

Describe a time you found a gap in a process that others had worked around for a long time. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they fix problems at the source instead of accepting workarounds as normal.

Tell me about an analysis you did where the answer surprised you. How did you check it was right?

What they are checking: Whether they challenge their own findings and do impartial analysis before acting on them.

Tell me about a time you moved people to act on something urgent when you didn't have authority over them.

What they are checking: Whether they can create urgency and influence across teams, which this liaison role depends on.

What would you do

A supplier has missed fill-rate targets three months in a row. How do you approach that conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they can drive supplier accountability with facts and a clear plan, not just complaints.

A customer, a supplier, and the internal warehouse team each blame each other for a late order. How do you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay neutral, find the real cause, and get everyone moving toward a fix.

If you had to pick one improvement to make resolution speed faster in your first 90 days, how would you choose it?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by impact and effort rather than chasing the most interesting problem.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd figure out which suppliers are causing the most post-shipment issues.

What they are checking: Whether they can use data to find patterns and root causes instead of reacting to complaints one at a time.

How does a post-shipment issue like a wrong item or damaged freight affect margin, and how would you reduce that cost?

What they are checking: Whether they connect day-to-day problems to profitability, which is a big part of what this role protects.

What metrics would you put on a supplier scorecard for this role, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they know which supplier measures actually predict reliability and customer friction.

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The full job description

As published by Direct Supply.

Position Summary: Direct Supply is building the future of healthcare technology with industry-leading products, solutions and platforms to help improve the lives of millions of seniors and those who care for them. In the Operations Specialist, Vendor Manager position, you’ll ensure reliable supplier performance, accurate order fulfillment, and timely resolution of post-shipment issues by serving as a key liaison between suppliers, customers, and internal teams. You’ll leverage AI, automation, and operational insight to reduce manual work, improve resolution speed, and strengthen margin through increased efficiency. This role drives supplier accountability, identifies operational gaps, and implements improvements that enhance reliability, reduce customer friction, and protect profitability. Skills Needed: • Solves Problems – Uses technology and sharp logic to craft inventive solutions to complex issues, digging deep to tackle root causes. Conducts impartial analysis, leaving no stone unturned for comprehensive insights. • Delivers Results – Seizes new opportunities and tackles challenges head-on with urgency. Takes initiative and consistently hits goals. Zeroes in on key priorities for results. Drives progress through uncertainty and moves others to action. • Communicates Effectively – Develops and delivers impactful communications for diverse audiences across channels. Excels in both small and large group interactions. Captures attention, actively listens, and guides discussions towards targeted goals. • Optimizes Work Processes - Streamlines workflows by harnessing data, AI, and technology. Identifies opportunities for efficiency and incorporates new processes and technology. Defines new success measures. • Ability to effectively use productivity tools and business systems such as Microsoft 365, CRM platforms, and operational reporting tools. What You’ll Do and Impact: • Serve as the primary liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure accurate fulfillment, timely delivery, and efficient resolution of post-shipment needs. • Negotiate with suppliers to secure timely and appropriate resolutions while reinforcing supplier performance expectations and operational standards. • Manage end-to-end order execution, monitoring fulfillment from placement through shipment to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and proactive communication that minimizes delays and rework. • Lead post-shipment resolution efforts including freight damage claims, product inquiries, and warranty coordination while minimizing operational loss exposure. • Coordinate complex service events by aligning suppliers, service providers, and customers to ensure repairs or replacements occur efficiently and within service expectations. • Identify recurring operational issues and implement process improvements that increase reliability, reduce customer friction, and strengthen operational efficiency. • Develop product and supplier expertise to accelerate problem resolution and improve operational decision-making. • Apply AI tools and data insights to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, improve turnaround time, and enhance operational productivity. Experience: • Proven success delivering operational or supply chain support in a fast-paced environment while resolving complex supplier and customer issues with accuracy and accountability. • Experience using AI tools, automation, or data insights to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual work, or accelerate issue resolution. • Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, collaborate across teams, and maintain service and performance standards in ambiguous or evolving environments. Additional Items of Interest: • Bachelor’s degree in operations, supply chain, business, or a related field preferred Job to be performed in the location listed. Generous benefit package available. © 2013 to 2026 Direct Supply, Inc. All rights reserved.

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