Supplier Operations Specialist

Van Meter, Inc (VM) is seeking a Supplier Operations Specialist to support our purpose of creating lasting value by driving market share and profitability for a specific set of product lines. This role collaborates across departments to execute purchasing, cost negotiation, data integrity, and pricing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements in market share and profitability for designated product lines
• Optimize inventory levels based on market needs and financial return
• Obtain and analyze in-to-stock price files and communicate the impact of price changes
• Understand how Van Meter manages cost of goods sold from suppliers
• Develop and foster key relationships with local representatives and suppliers
• Build strong relationships with internal teams 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 inventory positions across all territories to provide input on inventory management strategy
• Execute strategies, schedules, and processes to ensure the right product is available at the right time, including PO acknowledgement, ship date follow-up, emergency ordering, and inventory settings
• Develop knowledge of the company’s inventory system (Eclipse) as it relates to procurement and inventory management
• Participate in or manage projects to improve supplier performance, efficiency, or profitability
• Understand available product data from suppliers and support implementation of needed data for the company and customers
• Familiarize yourself with the company’s PIM software and manage attributes impacting supplier operations
• Execute cost recovery strategies for designated lines, including ship and debit claims, defective credits, or shipping error resolution
• 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 the team supervisor
• Promote company culture and the 5 P’s

Requirements

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across departments
• Ability 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
• Ability 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
• Lead by example with a positive work ethic and attitude
• Ability to learn, grow, and adapt to change
• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve problems with minimal guidance
• Drive for continuous improvement
• Dependability

Qualifications

• 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, working with others, and customer contact
• Frequently standing, walking, far vision acuity, depth perception, field of vision, and vision adjustment
• Sometimes reaching and working 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)