*This is an on-site role at our headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois.*
The ideal candidate will have success in developing and managing strategic relationships with manufacturers and suppliers to maximize product profitability and product availability. This position is also responsible for managing strategic supplier relationships and defining the appropriate brand strategy for the categories assigned. The position includes prospecting and evaluating new suppliers to ensure they will be a strategic addition to the Buying Groups supplier portfolio. This position owns and leads supplier relationships that have significant impact to business segment success and manages cross-functional project initiatives on behalf of department.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supplier Management: Identify, assess, and manage suppliers, fostering strong partnerships to ensure a reliable supply chain.
- Ownership of assigned product category performance and management of the overall health of the portfolio.
- Negotiate best cost vendor programs to improve product positioning while improving margin.
- Strategic engagement with supplier community to develop and implement initiatives that enable profitable growth.
- Monitor the health of assigned categories and manage the product lifecycle.
- Market Analysis: Continuously monitor market trends, competitive landscapes, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks within the category.
- Develop category and market expertise that allows the organization to effectively compete in target market segments; this includes market trends and competitive analysis, as inputs to the development of our assortment strategy.
- Cost Management: Implement cost-effective measures, negotiate pricing, and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining or improving product/service quality.
- Leverage market intelligence to validate and benchmark costs and competitive pricing.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments, including marketing and sales to align category strategies with overall business objectives.
- Manage multiple projects and initiatives within assigned categories with the ability to meet defined timelines and provide proactive status communication to business partners.
- Establish category ownership with internal and external stakeholders.
- Engages with customers and clients to understand strategies and objectives.
- Performance Metrics: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of category initiatives, regularly reporting on progress to senior management.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- 3+ years’ experience in Category Management or relevant business experience is required
- Experience in the Janitorial/Sanitation and Breakroom category is highly preferred
- Proven expertise in negotiating and influencing stakeholders at all levels
- Knowledge of the distribution environment, supplier selection and qualification processes
- Product knowledge across multiple industries a definite plus
- Must be process-driven and analytical with a continuous improvement mindset
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently
- Ability to create excellent relationships and quickly gain credibility with internal and external stakeholders
- Possess strong planning, organizational and time management skills, as well as strong analytical problem-solving skills
- Multi-task with the ability to change direction quickly and often
- Strong business and financial acumen, and Microsoft Office skills
Send your resume or questions to
ISG Merchandising Jobs