Supplier Operations Specialist

At Van Meter, Inc (VM), the Supplier Operations Specialist supports our purpose of creating lasting value by helping the company gain additional market share and focus on the profitability of a specific set of product lines.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements in market share and profitability for designated lines
• Optimize inventory levels based on market needs and financial return
• Obtain and analyze in-to-stock price file and communicate impact of price changes to the organization
• Understand how Van Meter manages cost of goods sold from our suppliers
• Develop and foster key relationships with local representatives and suppliers
• Build strong relationships with internal resources in sales, marketing, operations, and finance
• Identify opportunities to review or analyze day-to-day selling strategies
• Develop an understanding of local market distributor/manufacturer competition and market selling levels
• Understand the inventory position of designated lines across all territories to offer input on inventory management strategy
• Execute on strategies, schedules, and processes to ensure the right product at the right time, including PO acknowledgement, ship date follow-up, emergency ordering, and providing input on inventory settings
• Develop knowledge of the company’s inventory system (Eclipse) as it relates to procurement and inventory management
• Participate in or manage parts of various projects to improve supplier performance, efficiency, or profitability
• Understand available product data from suppliers and support implementing what’s needed by the company and customers
• Be familiar with the company’s PIM software and the attributes it manages to help prepare data for loading or processing
• Execute on cost recovery strategy for designated lines, including ship and debit claims, defective credits, or shipping error resolution
• Understand and suggest improvements for KPIs related to purchase order management, data integrity, and SPA/Rebate contract efficiency
• Support the company’s 3P’s sales support approach
• Provide decision-making support to team supervisor
• Promote company culture and the 5 P’s

Requirements

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across departments
• Able to create a teaming atmosphere with internal customers
• Strong negotiation skills to benefit the company financially while maintaining solid relationships
• Willingness to take managed risks
• Able to analyze trends, cost/pricing strategies, and best practices to improve product line performance
• Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback
• Ability to understand and implement processes and procedures
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Must lead by example with a positive work ethic and attitude
• Ability to learn, grow, and adapt to change
• Ability to make sound decisions with minimal guidance
• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve problems and develop solutions
• Drive for continuous improvement
• Dependable
• 0-2 years of experience with an Associate’s Degree; four-year degree preferred
• Education in Pricing Strategy is a plus
• Electrical product knowledge is a plus
• Previous sales or customer service experience required
• Proven negotiation skills required
• Knowledge of the electrical wholesale distribution industry preferred
• Contractor market experience preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel and Access
• Experience with purchasing software systems required; Eclipse experience preferred

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Consistently sitting, working with hands & fingers, talking, hearing, near vision acuity, works with others, and customer contact
• Frequently standing, walking, far vision acuity, depth perception, field of vision, and vision adjustment
• Sometimes reaching and works alone
• Occasionally bending at the waist, twisting upper body, and climbing

Benefits

• 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
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Several 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.