Vendor Performance Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About Bluebird

We're The Bluebird Group - we're an omnichannel commerce partner that helps brands grow across every retail and digital channel.

We sit at the intersection of retail, eCommerce, media, and data. We help brands show up wherever their customers are (Target, Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, social commerce like TikTok, and beyond) and drive real sales growth.

We're not just strategists - we're a hands-on team of experienced retail operators who execute across everything from retail media and creative to data, insights, and full go-to-market strategy.

The result: we simplify what's become a really complex retail landscape and help brands scale faster and smarter.

Job Summary

We're looking for a Retail Account Manager to support a portfolio of Target supplier accounts by driving operational execution, forecasting accuracy, inventory management, and business performance.

This role serves as a key connection point between our clients, Target, and internal teams. You'll be responsible for maintaining account health, identifying opportunities, solving operational challenges, and ensuring brands are positioned for success through strong planning, reporting, and execution.

The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while supporting both client objectives and Target requirements.

What You'll Do

Account Management & Client Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, Target teams, and internal stakeholders
• Build strong working relationships with vendor operations teams, merchandise planning teams, and internal partners
• Support day-to-day account management activities across a portfolio of Target supplier accounts
• Maintain accurate records related to program agreements, pricing, product information, order status, planning activities, and vendor setup
• Educate clients on Target processes, requirements, and best practices, including planograms, advertising programs, shipping requirements, and GSN setup

Forecasting, Planning & Inventory Management

• Develop and manage demand forecasts to support inventory flow and business performance
• Monitor inventory positions and in-stock levels, proactively identifying risks and recommending solutions
• Analyze sales trends, replenishment needs, and forecast performance to support client and retailer objectives
• Partner with clients and internal teams to improve forecasting accuracy and inventory health
• Support planning for product launches, promotional events, and seasonal programs

Supply Chain & Operational Execution

• Drive initiatives that improve on-time and in-full delivery performance to Target
• Monitor customer purchase orders and support issue resolution as needed
• Identify and resolve operational challenges impacting vendor performance, inventory flow, or account execution
• Partner with suppliers, Target teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth execution across account activities
• Support continuous improvement efforts that enhance operational performance and service levels

Performance Analytics & Business Insights

• Analyze vendor performance metrics and identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve operational and performance challenges
• Provide regular sell-through reporting, performance analytics, and actionable recommendations to clients
• Translate data into insights that support business decisions and account growth
• Monitor key business metrics and communicate performance updates to stakeholders

Item & Program Management

• Create, maintain, and update items within Target systems
• Support new item launches and ongoing item maintenance activities
• Ensure item information, pricing, attributes, and related documentation remain accurate and current
• Assist with vendor onboarding and setup activities as needed
• Support retailer initiatives and program execution across assigned accounts

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with sales, operations, supply chain, finance, and analytics teams to support account objectives
• Coordinate communication and information sharing across stakeholders
• Support special projects and business initiatives as needed
• Contribute to a collaborative, client-focused team environment

What We're Looking For

Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience working with Target on the retailer or supplier side
• Experience in account management, retail operations, supply chain, forecasting, analytics, or related fields
• Experience supporting consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands preferred
• Experience managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with demand planning and forecasting preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret data, identify opportunities, and make recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including sorting/filtering data, pivot tables, and VLOOKUPs
• Working knowledge of Target systems, processes, and operational requirements preferred
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through

Leadership Attributes

• Takes ownership and follows through on commitments
• Builds trust with clients, retailer partners, and internal teams
• Identifies issues early and proactively develops solutions
• Thrives in a fast-moving, collaborative environment
• Leads with accountability, attention to detail, and a customer-focused mindset

Our Commitment

We prioritize the inclusion of diverse perspectives. We aspire for all team members to feel like this is a place where they belong. Where they are respected by the company and are empowered to impact the business and achieve their full potential. We understand that relationships built on trust, respect and communication better serve our clients, team members and business.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines typical functions and responsibilities but may evolve based on business needs.