Director, Supplier Development

About the role

We are building a next-generation Supplier Development function designed to turn strategic supplier partnerships into a primary growth engine for the company. This role is central to executing APPLIED’s commercial strategy—connecting suppliers, sales, and internal teams to unlock new product categories, expand market reach, and drive measurable revenue and margin growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute supplier growth strategies aligned to APPLIED’s priority markets, categories, and revenue objectives
• Lead joint business planning with strategic suppliers, establishing clear growth targets, investment plans, and execution roadmaps to expand the partnership
• Identify and commercialize new market category opportunities, working with suppliers to expand APPLIED’s portfolio into new segments and applications
• Build and advance a qualified supplier-driven opportunity pipeline, partnering with Sales, Product Management, and Technical teams to convert opportunities into revenue
• Expand and deepen supplier relationships into strategic partnerships, influencing key stakeholders and decision-makers to unlock new growth opportunities
• Drive cross-functional execution by aligning Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Technical Service, and Operations around supplier initiatives and growth priorities
• Establish operating cadence and performance visibility, including pipeline reviews, business reviews, and KPI tracking to ensure accountability and results

You Are Ideal for This Role If You:

• Are a collaborative and strategic thinker with the ability to influence at all levels
• Have had proven success winning with suppliers

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Must be able to travel 50%-75% of the time

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate's degree in Business or similar field required
• 10+ years in commercial roles (Business Development, Strategic Accounts, or Channel leadership)
• Experience working with suppliers, manufacturers, or distribution channels
• Proven track record of growing strategic partnerships and delivering revenue impact
• Extensive travel required (50–75%), including up to 10 overnight stays per month and 2–3 weeks of travel per month
• Collaborative and strategic thinker, consultative and solution oriented
• Quick learner and self-starter with a sense of urgency
• Forward-thinking to address near and long-term business issues
• Strong cross-functional leadership across sales, marketing, and product teams
• Hightly driven, entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build from zero to scale
• Ability to influence at all levels
• Experience in a distributed, matrixed environment, influencing decision makers with data, building strong coaches to navigate mutually beneficial deals
• Entrepreneurial acumen, effective communication at all organizational levels, relationship management
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Strong presentation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in MS Office suite and Windows O/S
• Power BI and Salesforce.com CRM platform experience required

Why Work for Us

• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• 401k Match
• Flexible and Team-Oriented work environment
• Generous PTO policy
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career and talent development opportunities as well as opportunities for personal growth

Leading with Integrity, Collaboration, and Passion

In today’s dynamic business landscape, these core values serve as the compass guiding our actions and decisions. Whether it’s demonstrating leadership, fostering collaboration, igniting passion, upholding integrity, or maintaining a relentless customer focus, these principles shape our mission, vision and values, and drive our commitment to excellence.

Our Core Values

• Leadership
• Collaborative
• Passion
• Integrity
• Relentless Customer Focus