Supplier Relations Manager

Description POSITION SUMMARY

The Supplier Relations Manager acts as the point of contact with Suppliers, providing information and strategy to resolve issues and facilitate collaborative relationships. They are responsible for 1) setting brand strategies, 2) expanding selection for existing brands, 3) identifying and onboarding high-potential brands, 4) improving business terms, and 5) driving top and bottom-line growth. This is a dynamic and future-facing leader who balances product and industry expertise, strong people leadership skills, and business acumen to achieve desired outcomes by fostering innovation and driving business growth. The Supplier Relations Manager will meet with Suppliers in person and collaborate with multiple departments on a frequent basis; therefore, this position requires an on-site presence at our headquarters.

Essential Functions

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

- Represent the Company in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with Suppliers.

- Act as the point of contact with Suppliers, following established supplier management processes and framework to onboard, nurture, and support supplier relationships, control costs, manage risks, and maximize service efficiency.

- Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.

- Manage the distribution center’s Product Change Notification program.

- Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues and concerns through business reviews, quarterly supplier reviews, and MSI’s QMS programs to strive for continuous improvement.

- Regularly communicate with Suppliers on programs, product changes, and market updates.

- Assist in reviewing and maintaining supplier contracts and agreements, including negotiation and making recommendations with the Director of Procurement.

- Investigate and propose substitute materials in the event of supply chain disruptions, quality requirement changes, or other identified risks working with the inventory management team.

- Demonstrate a good working knowledge of procurement and vendor relationship strategies and continue to develop your working knowledge.

- Collaborate with the inventory management team, analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future product availability and escalate issues and forecasting to Suppliers.

- Collaborate with Suppliers on sales incentives and market directives.

- Research and identify savings opportunities.

- Collaborate with the Sales team to negotiate special items or customer specific discounts or rebates.

- Review, evaluate and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids. Prepare bid awards requiring senior management approval.

- Analyze industry and demand trends and support senior management with the development and implementation of sourcing strategies.

- Build trust and credibility with suppliers by demonstrating integrity, commitment and results orientation to drive and deliver results.

- Assist with other tasks and projects as needed.

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

- Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.

- Ambition - The drive to achieve personal advancement.

- Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.

- Assertiveness - Ability to act in a self-confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea.

- Business Acumen - Ability to grasp and understand business concepts and issues.

- Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.

- Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.

- Delegating Responsibility - Ability to allocate authority and/or task responsibility to appropriate people.

- Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.

- Goal Oriented - Ability to focus on a goal and obtain a pre-determined result.

- Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.

- Management Skills - Ability to organize and direct oneself and effectively supervise others.

- Negotiation – Influencing others, understanding different perspectives, and maintaining awareness of goals while acting with integrity.

- Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.

- Sales Ability - Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to gain acceptance of a product, service, or idea.

- Self-Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using his or her own drive or initiative.

- Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree required.

Experience: Over three years of category or supplier relations management experience preferred. Must have a strong comprehensive business sense. Proficient in vendor management, product management, marketing, supply chain, operations, and project management.

Computer Skills: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Advanced Excel skills preferred. Must be able to adapt easily to new systems.

Physical Requirements

Sit 75% of workday.

Use computer keyboard,10-key, and other office equipment.

Salary Description

base salary: $75,000 - $100,000