Director Vendor Control

About the role

Rexel USA is one of the largest distributors of electrical products, data communication, wireless communication and related supplies in the United States. Rexel USA operates its electrical distribution business in the United States through eight Regions that go to market under various banner and trade names, including Rexel, Rexel Automation, Gexpro, Mayer, Talley and Platt Electric Supply. In addition to an online store, Rexel USA has a distribution network of over 460 warehouse storefront locations throughout the U.S.

The Director Vendor Control is responsible for leading the business effort in vendor control ensuring that applicable policy is observed for all vendor transactions while providing superior service to Rexel’s customers and partner vendors. Will drive effective vendor control actions with Region Commercial teams and provide policy and procedure guidance and training. The Director Vendor Control also provides support to Legal, Finance and Supplier Relations for matters involving the vendor base documentation and status.

Responsibilities

• Lead responsibility for execution of Vendor Approval Policy.
• Ensure that any exceptions to policy are understood and approved at the appropriate executive level of the business
• Lead role in administration of vendor stratification with the Supplier Relations in our Vendor Management Strategy
• Review of Terms & Conditions, Rebate, and other contractual components provided by prospective vendors. Provide guidance to commercial teams regarding involvement of Legal, regional finance or region leadership as appropriate.
• Management of cash discount and terms consistent with financial controls and audit requirements
• Collaboration with the Category Managers on vendor selection and control of non-preferred vendors. Extend coordination on vendor selection/decisions to procurement and commercial teams
• Vendor Surveillance on performance metrics and vendor rankings in spend, terms, payment method and tax documentation (W9 and W8BEN). Key role with Trade and Indirect Vendors
• Regular review and training of requirements and processes – especially with Procurement and Region Operations teams. Includes, but not limited to documentation requirements, rationale for vendor control, exceptions to vendor agreements and exceptions to COIs
• Phase in / phase out of vendor entities - coordination with procurement, commercial and A/P teams to assure we properly manage the vendor profiles. Includes control of vendors to support A/P with vendor payment or performance concerns
• Review of branch prospective vendor submissions at onboarding to ensure compliance with business and regulatory requirements
• Establish and ongoing continuous improvement of information and document collections processes for the combined businesses
• Execute regular surveillance of Trade Vendor payment changes as required by audit (BoRG) standards
• Regular communication with commercial, legal, finance and operations leadership via conference calls, webcasts and emails
• Participate in the training, development, and career growth of Vendor group team members
• Support corporate programs, goals, and initiatives of the company. Includes communication and training of these to the vendor group and support of same during interactions with the commercial teams
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Experience in vendor negotiation tactics
• Practical experience within the electrical supply distribution industry
• Prior operations or supply chain experience; especially field commercial support
• Familiarity with project construction processes (e.g. bid process, approvals, releases, lien considerations, etc.)

Qualifications

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree - Required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Sales, Marketing or other related field

Skills

Ability to present and discuss corporate vendor goals and guidelines to vendor team, procurement team and commercial teams. Subjects include controllership items, terms, contract exceptions, COI issues and international vendor procedures. Industry knowledge and understanding