Supplier Operations Specialist

Description Summary

The Supplier Operations Specialist supports Van Meter, Inc's goal of creating lasting value for its customers by focusing on the profitability of specific product lines. Key responsibilities include driving market share and profitability, optimizing inventory, analyzing pricing impacts, building relationships with suppliers, and managing supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Drive improvements in market share and profitability for designated lines
• Optimize inventory levels based on market needs and financial returns
• Obtain and analyze in-to-stock price files and communicate price changes
• 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
• Understand local market distributor/manufacturer competition and market selling levels
• Manage inventory positions across all territories
• Execute on strategies, schedules, and processes for product availability
• Participate in or manage projects to improve supplier performance, efficiency, or profitability
• Understand and suggest ways to improve KPIs related to purchase order management, data integrity, and SPA/Rebate contract efficiency
• Support company's 3P's sales support approach
• Provide decision-making support to team supervisor
• Promote Van Meter's culture and 5 P's

Requirements

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across departments
• Able to create a teaming atmosphere with internal customers
• Able to analyze trends, cost/pricing strategies, and best practices to improve product line performance
• Able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Willingness to lead by example, display a positive work ethic, and adapt to change
• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve problems and develop solutions
• Drive for continuous improvement
• Dependable

Job Requirements/Specifications

• 0-2 years of experience with an Associate’s Degree, four-year degree preferred
• Educational background 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