Director of Vendor-Managed Inventory Solutions (VMI)

About the Role

NEFCO, a leading distributor of construction materials, is seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Director of Vendor-Managed Inventory Solutions to oversee the company’s expanding VMI function. This role will lead multiple VMI Managers and their teams (Sales Specialists, Implementation Specialists, and Support staff) to deliver a best-in-class national VMI program that strengthens customer partnerships, drives revenue growth, and positions NEFCO as a supply chain innovator.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Define the enterprise-wide strategy for VMI growth, innovation, and scalability.
  • Establish KPIs, ROI framework, and operational scorecards for all VMI programs.
  • Ensure program alignment with NEFCO’s digital commerce initiatives, supply chain strategy, and customer engagement objectives.
  • Partner with executive leadership to position VMI as a competitive differentiator in construction distribution.
• Program Oversight
  • Directly oversee VMI Managers and ensure their teams (Sales Specialists and Implementation Specialists) deliver consistently on program objectives.
  • Standardize program delivery models, including customer onboarding, implementation, and account management processes.
  • Drive national consistency in VMI deployments while allowing flexibility for regional and customer-specific requirements.
  • Serve as the executive sponsor for major customer VMI accounts, managing escalations and ensuring client retention.
• Technology & Process Excellence
  • Oversee adoption and optimization of VMI technologies including vending machines, cages, RFID/barcode systems, IoT devices, mobile apps, and ERP-integrated platforms.
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement, evaluating innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance VMI effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with IT, procurement, logistics, and operations to build seamless end-to-end VMI workflows.
  • Ensure accurate data, reporting, and analytics are delivered to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Team Development & Leadership
  • Build and scale a high-performing VMI organization, including hiring, coaching, and succession planning for managers and specialists.
  • Develop training programs and professional development paths for VMI staff at all levels.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer-first execution across all VMI programs.
• Financial & Growth Accountability
  • Own the P&L impact of the VMI program, including pricing models, CapEx planning, and margin optimization.
  • Partner with Sales to drive revenue growth from existing and new VMI accounts.
  • Evaluate and implement financial models (purchases, lease, SaaS-style) for VMI assets to maximize ROI.
  • Provide quarterly business reviews, program performance updates, and strategic recommendations for executive leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Construction Management, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in supply chain, VMI, or inventory management, with at least 5 years in senior management or director-level leadership.
• Proven success building and scaling multi-site or national VMI programs within industrial or construction distribution.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, ROI models, and P&L impact.
• Expertise in VMI technologies (vending, RFID/barcode, mobile apps, ERP integrations, IoT-enabled devices).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel to customer sites, NEFCO branches, and industry events.