Supplier Manager, Associate Jobs

This is a hybrid role.

Primary Function:

This role has strategic responsibility for the supplier relationships and cost of goods sold across multiple product categories which range from $20M in COGS to $50M in COGS. The Associate Supplier Manager will partner with multiple functions to support aligned product category(ies). You will provide analytics and recommendations on plans to improve profitability and identify cost savings through negotiation and act as the primary relationship manager for select suppliers. The Associate Supplier Manager will lead different cost savings programs and support supplier relationships that bring incremental value to the business.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Document national brand supply recommendations.
• Negotiate favorable terms and support for growing the business.
• Evaluate current national brand supplier cost positions.
• Establish relationships with national brand suppliers.
• Develop national brand supplier sourcing strategy.
• Collaborate with merchandising on national brand product assortment sourcing strategy.
• Conduct / finalize cost negotiations driven by product assortment strategy.
• Ensure his/her team’s alignment to Company’s strategic direction.

Ongoing focus areas:

Serve as the key single point of contact for the supplier to key business partners at Grainger

• Manage and meet cost inflation targets for the organization across $10M - $25M in COGS.
• Inbound from supplier (examples): supplier driven product discontinuations, procure to pay issues, manufacturing issues, supplier relationship severance, product underperformance (damages, quality, warranty, etc.), product cost change (cost season and other one-offs), new product innovation opportunities
• Outbound to supplier (examples): sales force, quotes, RFP, cross-reference, and sourcing support, SSGP, escalations to drive business partner needs (PI, compliance, legal, supplier performance, etc.), proactive management of commodity adjustments and business environment changes (bankruptcy, sale of supplier, market changes, etc.)
• Collaborate with the merchandising to bring new suppliers onboard.
• Work with Supply Chain partners to monitor supplier operational performance – and take appropriate action to improve performance.
• Leverage supplier relationships to meet end-to-end needs across the business to improve customer and team member experience and grow revenue
• Establishes and manages relationships with suppliers globally.
• Lead efforts to help improve supplier relationships with Grainger and make it easier for suppliers to do business with Grainger.
• Collaborate cross functionally to determine action plan for outbound management requests
• Collaborate with merchandising and other business partners to review impact of inbound management issues on national brand product assortment sourcing strategy and determine action plan
• Coordinate supplier reach out efforts/needs (i.e. trade data compliance process)
• Design a price/cost management strategy, which provides market competitive pricing, minimizes cost inflation, drives top-line sales growth and improves return on invested capital.

In addition, ensure team operates with highest level of ethics and integrity in conjunction with the Professional Purchasing Guidelines and our Company Code of Conduct.

Requirements

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Must have an understanding of Company’s business direction, customer requirements, supply management-marketing strategy, and demand generation fulfillment process.
• Possesses a clear understanding of suppliers, customers, Grainger’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Ability to apply visionary thought process in order to construct executable plans.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Master’s Preferred (or willing to pursue)
• 3-5 years business experience with a strong working knowledge of Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Cost Accounting, Finance and Economics.
• Proven ability to drive and demonstrate results financially, strategically, and managerially.
• Proven Change Management skills by inspiring teams to welcome change, embrace new directions, and future opportunities. Anticipates change and proactively prepares for it by defining objectives, responsibilities and time frames.
• Clear and thorough knowledge of the negotiation process and key stages: Sets high standards and expectations. Ability to maintain strong relationships and be able to influence them. Known as being tough but fair.

Work Environment:

Travel both domestically and internationally is required at all times. Up to 10% of the time can be dedicated to travel.

Impact:

• Responsible to deliver cost inflation goals across the category portfolio of Grainger’s national brand cost of goods sold
• Responsible to build our relationships with ~10-20+ national brand suppliers globally
• Working with global businesses to maximize scale resulting in best possible product cost across the globe
• Supplier relationships, including contract negotiation and execution of contracts valued at 10 of millions annually

Working Relationships:

External:

• Industry peers: to ensure best in class processes and procurement practices are introduced across Grainger
• Suppliers: Promote Grainger, share direction, manage assets and determine levels of supplier’s commitment to secure and/or advance our position in the market.

Internal:

• Supply Chain: Optimizes the handling, inbound and outbound movement of product, from supplier through to the customer.
• Sales and Services and branch: Supports selling efforts of the sales and branch organizations through existing and new products.
• Finance: Conducts profitability of product lines using financial tools. Participates with Accounts Payable and Cost Accounting in managing and improving transactions with suppliers.
• Merchandising: collaborate to establish a clear supplier engagement model for the team

Rewards and Benefits:

Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet your individual needs. Check out some of the benefits available to you with Grainger (may vary based on hours worked):

• Vehicle subsidy or company vehicle based on territory requirements
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan & Defined Contribution Pension Plan to help you save for your financial future
• Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Employee Family Assistance Program to help team members with physical, emotional, mental, financial and other concerns
• Life insurance coverage, including spousal and dependent life insurance
• Educational & Professional Membership Fee Assistance program
• Paid time off (PTO) and up to 12 company holidays per year (dependent on home province)
• Employee discounts, team member perks and more!

DEI Statement

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match this job post as you may still be the right candidate for this role or others. We aspire to create a culture where everyone is comfortable being who they are, can learn and grow to realize their full potential, and is recognized and rewarded for their impact.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all external candidates. Internal candidates undergo a background check when they move from a non-driving role to a driving role or to a director+ position.

Grainger is an Equal Opportunity Workplace. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. Accommodations are available on request.