Vendor Relations Specialist

About the position

This is a rewarding long-term career opportunity to work with all levels of the Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care corporate team, as well as our franchisees as they make an impact in communities across the country. As the Vendor Relations Specialist you will direct the vendor program pursuant to vendors that provide products and/or services directly to Essential Brands and the Kiddie Academy Franchise Community/Academies. You will also assess and secure vendors on an as-needed basis and negotiate the best value for Kiddie Academy and its franchisees. This position is based in our Corporate Office located in Abingdon, Maryland.

Why you?

You are an experienced professional with a positive outlook and a passion for making an impact. You are looking for a long-term career opportunity with a company that is committed to work-life balance, and that promotes a culture of respect, kindness and transparency. You are an excellent communicator, you take great pride in the quality of your work, you are detail oriented, you are tech savvy, and you excel at multitasking.

Your Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related field

• 2 3 years experience in vendor relations and/or procurement

• Process driven but creative and innovative

• Detail oriented

• Ability to work collaboratively to achieve business objectives

• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, work independently

• Strong professional verbal and written communication skills including the ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization

• Excellent computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat

Qualifications

Why us?

Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care routinely ranks among the top franchising companies and providers in the childcare category. In 2023, we ranked #96 in Entrepreneur Magazine's list of the top 500 franchisors around the globe. We were the highest-ranked childcare franchisor in the 2022 Franchise Direct Top 100 list. And locally, we've been a finalist for four straight years in the Baltimore Business Journal's list of Best Places to Work.

Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care has been preparing young minds for future success since its founding in 1981. With more than 315+ franchises in 36 states and the District of Columbia, we are poised for continued growth.

Benefits you'll love:

• 100% company-paid medical and life insurance for you,

• Company-paid dental and vision for you and your family

• 401K match

• Childcare tuition discounts

• Paid parental leave

• Generous paid time off and holidays

• Paid volunteer time off to support local nonprofits

• We value in-person collaborating at our corporate headquarters, and offer an allowance of remote workdays

We are growing fast, and the future is bright! Don't miss out on joining us.