Vendor Relations & Purchasing Coordinator

About Vanlife Customs

At Vanlife Customs, we put dreams in motion. 

Proudly based in Colorado, we design and build custom vans that combine functionality, craftsmanship, and adventure-ready design. Each project is handcrafted by a passionate team of technicians, builders, designers, and craftspeople who care deeply about quality and customer experience. 

We're not a production line, we're a crew of problem-solvers and creators who take pride in turning our customers' dreams into reality. 

We specialize in highly customized campervan builds, van upgrades, and remodels. With close to 200 vans built and hundreds serviced, our experience gives us deep insight into what works best for life on the road. Our team thrives on collaboration, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of design and engineering to craft vans that are as functional as they are beautiful.

About the Role

We are looking for a Vendor Relations & Purchasing Coordinator to serve as the vital bridge between our talented build team and the high-quality parts that make our vans possible. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for our suppliers, nurturing vendor relationships and ensuring our builders have exactly what they need, when they need it. This role is a perfect match for someone who is eager to cultivate meaningful professional relationships within a creative, custom fabrication environment.

This position is perfect for an early-career professional who is a natural multi-tasker and eager to learn the ropes of a custom fabrication shop. We are looking for a solutions-based professional who is detail-oriented, possesses a high "positive mental attitude," and is ready to teach themselves the art of high-level vendor negotiations. You should be a natural multi-tasker who is hard to fluster and remains calm and supportive when managing multiple requests.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Partnership Management: Act as the primary liaison by placing, tracking, and receiving orders, while thoughtfully setting up new accounts as our needs grow.
• Collaborative Sourcing: Research and identify alternative products or suppliers to ensure our projects remain on track, even when supply chains are disrupted.
• Negotiation & Advocacy: Teach yourself and apply collaborative negotiation tactics to secure the best pricing and terms for our custom builds.
• Supportive Procurement: Process purchase requests from the production and service teams with accuracy and a solutions-based mindset.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Research and identify alternative products or suppliers when supply chains are disrupted.
• System Harmony: Work within our inventory management software to improve visibility for the entire team and reconcile any delivery discrepancies.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with operations and production teams to refine materials management processes.

Requirements

• Experience: 1+ year of experience in purchasing, inventory control, or logistics.
• Traits: A reliable, detail-oriented, and proactive nature with excellent follow-through.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities, with a charming and approachable professional style.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Technical Skills: Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace.
• Software: Experience with Shopmonkey or Shopware is a significant plus.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to move packages and safely operate warehouse equipment, as needed (forklift experience a plus).
• Location: Local candidates only; must be available for an in-person trial period of up to one week before hire

Position Details

• Reports to: Project Manager
• Employment Type: Full-time, salaried
• Salary: 52,000 to 63,000 dependent on experience
• Location: Arvada, Colorado
• Schedule: Enjoy a 4-day work week! Tuesday - Friday 7AM - 5:45PM (4:30 Friday)