PREMIER Supplier Manager II

Overview

KGPCo is the go-to partner to Communications Service Providers. Our customers rely on our extensive range of network solutions and services to help them build, maintain, and transform networks that connect the world.

The communications industry is evolving every day and we are at the frontline of these innovations. From ground to cloud, the work we do is transforming networks and impacting communities nationwide. It’s work that happens because of our motivated teams of doers and problem solvers.

Our Core Values define how we do business:• The Customer is Everything.• Relationships Matter. All of Them.• Question Things. Take Action.• Work Hard. Work Smart. Enjoy the Experience.• Growth Mindset.

It’s not just a job – it’s a step in your career!

Responsibilities

Position open in - LENEXA, KS. FARIBAULT, MN. OR BlOOMINGTON, MN. 

SUMMARY

Supplier and product management for a specific set of PREMIER products. PREMIER is KGPCo’s in-house private label brand of communications products that are produced by manufacturing partners and are distributed to KGPCo’s customers.

This position will be involved with end-to-end product management responsibilities, including identifying new products/manufacturers to add to the PREMIER product portfolio, collaboration with Sales and Customers to expand sales of PREMIER’s products, management of sales and gross margin performance for certain PREMIER product sets, and overall day to day oversight and coordination of the PREMIER product sets managed by the position.

This is a key role within the PREMIER team with strong potential for growth in responsibilities and visibility within the organization, given a strategic focus to grow the PREMIER organization over the coming years. This position will report to the Senior Director of PREMIER and will also work closely with the Vice President of Product Management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; other duties may be assigned:

• Entrepreneurial mindset to uncover new manufacturers/products to add to the PREMIER portfolio to provide new sales, customer cost savings, and/or higher PREMIER gross margins.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with new and existing manufacturers of specific PREMIER product sets.
• Take ownership to manage specific PREMIER product sets end-to-end: Understand customer uses of each product, go-to internal resource for item questions/specifications, internal Subject Mater Expert for specific product sets.
• Monitor and manage manufacturer performance of specific product sets (Lead times, cost changes, coordinate end customer feedback/complaints).
• Manage system information of specific product sets (Item descriptions, cost updates, mark-up %’s, lead times, etc).
• Daily manufacturer communication to obtain pricing for new sales opportunities.
• Provide product sales training and sales support including technical support, as needed.
• Understand, establish, and maintain pricing strategies.
• Complete sales reports / expense reports / assigned CRM activities timely.
• Periodic domestic travel expected to be less than 5%.
• Adhere to departmental TL9000 and ISO responsibilities, ensuring all customer specific processes are updated and accurate.
• Performs other duties as requested by PREMIER leadership.

SAFETY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to, promote, and accept responsibility for compliance to Federal and Local Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, Industry Consensus Standards, and KGPCo Injury and Illness Prevention Program Manual.
• Participate in job site safety and hazard analysis.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with wireline/outside plant communications products is strongly preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to read and understand basic instructions, short communications, and memos; draft simple written correspondence; and effectively communicate in one-on-one or small group settings with customers, clients, and colleagues.
• Proficiency in adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Capable of performing calculations involving American currency and standard units of weight, volume, and distance.
• The ability to follow written, verbal, or diagram-based instructions and solve problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to listen and speak. The employee frequently is required to sit, use their hands to handle, touch, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with their arms and hands.  

Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Supplemental insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with Company match
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick/safe time
• Pet insurance for our non-human family members

KGPCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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