Supplier Operations Specialist

DescriptionSummary:The Supplier Operations Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting our purpose of creating lasting value for those we serve by helping the company gain additional market share and focus on the profitability of a specific set of product lines within our business for Van Meter, Inc (VM). The primary responsibilities of this position are to help execute on the team’s strategy for the product lines designated as it pertains to the functions of purchasing, cost negotiation, data integrity and making solid pricing and product decisions for our business while collaborating across departments. The Supplier Operations Specialist is a self-starter, works autonomously and sets an example for others. This individual will impact the business by growing sales, market share and overall profitability. This individual’s behavior promotes our culture, our 5 P’s and our purpose to create lasting value for those we serve.Key Responsibilities & Essential FunctionsDrive improvements in market share and profitability for designated linesOptimize inventory levels based on market needs and financial returnObtain and analyze in-to-stock price file and communicate impact of price changes to the organizationHave an understanding of how Van Meter manages cost of goods sold from our suppliersDevelop and foster key relationships with local representatives and suppliersBuild strong relationships with the internal resources in sales, marketing, operations, and financeIdentify opportunities to review or analyze our day-to-day selling strategiesDevelop an understanding of local market distributor/manufacturer competition and market selling levelsUnderstand the inventory position of designated lines across all territories in order to offer input on our inventory management strategyExecute on the strategies, schedules, and processes defined to ensure we have the right product at the right time: including PO acknowledgement, Ship Date Follow-Up, Emergency Ordering, and providing input on inventory settingsDevelop a knowledge of the company’s inventory system (Eclipse) as it relates to procurement and inventory managementParticipate in or manage parts of various projects to improve supplier performance, efficiency, or profitabilityUnderstand what product data we have access to from our suppliers and support implementing what’s needed by our company and our customersBe familiar with our company’s PIM software and the attributes it manages that impact our supplier operations so that you can help prepare data to load or be processedExecute on strategy developed for cost recovery on designated lines: including ship and debit claims, defective credits, or shipping error resolutionUnderstand and suggest ways to improve on KPI’s related to purchase order management, data integrity and SPA/Rebate contract efficiencySupport company’s 3P’s sales support approachProvides decision-making support to team supervisorPromote our culture and our 5 P’sRequirementsCritical Success Factors:Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across departmentsAble to create a teaming atmosphere with internal customersStrong negotiation skills, which will benefit the company financially while maintaining solid relationships with internal customers and suppliersWillingness to take managed risksAble to analyze trends, cost/pricing strategies, and best practices to constantly improve product line performanceWillingness to give and receive constructive feedbackAbility to understand and implement our processes and proceduresAbility to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlinesMust lead by example by displaying a positive work ethic and attitudeAbility to learn, grow, and adapt to changeAbility to make sound decisions with minimal guidanceStrong analytical skills and ability to solve problems and develop solutionsDrive for continuous improvementDependableJob Requirements/Specifications0-2 years of experience with an Associate’s Degree, four-year degree preferredEducation in Pricing Strategy is a plusElectrical product knowledge is a plusPrevious sales or customer service experience requiredProven negotiation skills requiredKnowledge of the electrical wholesale distribution industry preferredContractor market experience preferredProficient in Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel and AccessExperience with purchasing software systems required. Eclipse experience preferredWork Environment & Physical DemandsConsistently sitting, working with hands & fingers, talking, hearing, vision acuity-near, works with others, and customer contactFrequently standing, walking, vision acuity-far, depth perception, field of vision, and vision adjustmentSometimes reaching and works aloneOccasionally bending at the waist, twisting upper body, and climbingThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans And Individuals With DisabilitiesSeveral factors are considered in making compensation decisions at Van Meter; including but not limited to education, skill sets, work experience and training, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation may be below the lower end of the range when the minimum requirements of the role are not met and the higher end is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role.Van Meter offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, company paid life and disability insurance, paid time off including holidays, 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.