AMERICAN AI LOGISTICS
Vendor Manager / Account Manager
DEFENSE SUPPLY CHAIN
Employer: American AI Logistics (AAIL) | Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Account Management | Program: Project Knudsen
About American AI Logistics
American AI Logistics (AAIL) is transforming how the U.S. government sources, manages, and delivers critical defense components.
Through Project Knudsen, AAIL is developing a technology-enabled supply chain model that connects military demand forecasts with qualified manufacturers and distributors. Our approach focuses on improving military readiness, increasing supply chain efficiency, reducing procurement delays, and establishing long-term partnerships across the aerospace and defense industries.
We are building a team of professionals who understand supplier relationships, defense logistics, and the importance of delivering mission-critical parts when and where they are needed.
About the Role
AAIL is seeking a results-driven Vendor Manager / Account Manager to oversee relationships with our growing network of aerospace and defense distributors, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for assigned vendor accounts and manage day-to-day activities involving onboarding, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), supplier negotiations, production updates, inventory coordination, and delivery performance.
The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple vendor relationships in a fast-paced environment. This role requires someone who can build strong partnerships, solve problems, negotiate effectively, and ensure supplier commitments are met.
You will work closely with our Distributor Relations, Data Operations, Procurement, Compliance, Contracting, and Program Management teams to support the successful execution of Project Knudsen.
Key Responsibilities
Vendor Relationship Management
Manage and develop relationships with assigned distributors, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor communications, operational questions, and issue resolution.
Coordinate vendor onboarding, including the collection of company information, capabilities, certifications, and required documentation.
Establish regular vendor meetings, performance reviews, and communication schedules.
Identify opportunities to improve vendor participation, responsiveness, and overall performance.
Maintain accurate vendor records, contacts, capabilities, and communication history.
RFQ Management and Supplier Negotiations
Manage RFQ communications and follow up with vendors to ensure timely and complete responses.
Review supplier quotations for pricing, accuracy, lead times, quantities, product availability, and compliance with program requirements.
Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and commercial terms within established authority.
Identify and resolve quotation discrepancies, missing information, and sourcing challenges.
Coordinate with Data Operations to evaluate supplier capabilities and align vendors with appropriate opportunities.
Maintain accurate quotation records, revisions, negotiation histories, and written supplier commitments.
Vendor Performance and Supply Chain Operations
Monitor vendor performance against contractual commitments, delivery schedules, and program requirements.
Coordinate production status updates, inventory availability, and replenishment activities.
Conduct recurring vendor status meetings to identify potential delays, shortages, and operational risks.
Work with Procurement and Compliance to resolve quality issues, documentation discrepancies, and delivery challenges.
Communicate purchase order requirements, inspection schedules, and fulfillment expectations to vendors.
Support corrective action activities and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Escalate delivery risks, contractual concerns, and unresolved issues to the appropriate internal…