Purpose

The Vendor Relationship Manager’s (Buyer) role is focused on developing and managing the key operational processes that support the strategies laid out by the department’s Senior Category Strategy Manager to deliver the best merchant and retailer experience possible. Manages line review executions and large vendor relationships, cost maintenance and negotiations. Responsible for developing tactics and managing daily activities for assigned product categories (plumbing and electrical) that drive sales and margin for the company and its retailers. Supports internal teams and is the main point of contact for multiple processes, including line reviews, item set up, vendor set up, reporting and analytics. Works cross-functionally with all areas.

Responsibilities (May perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned).

1.Manages critical supplier relationships up to $20M.

2.Drives large scale negotiations with external vendors.

3.Implements best in-class processes to approach vendor negotiation, cost management, assortment execution, planogram (assortment) creation, and related sourcing activities.

4.Maintains oversight of all item maintenance and ensures accuracy of new product data.

5.Manages contract creation, approval, administration, and compliance to maximize performance and minimize risk.

6.Creates an implementation plan around the line review process and implements category & assortment strategies.

7.Project manages the assortment including scheduling, creating presentations and reports, and communicating with all related cross-functional areas. Develops vendor communication in support of department activities.

8.Analyzes, researches, and supports retail assortment and category reviews.

9.Assists Merchant (Buying) Team and Space Planning Department in the roll out of new programs.

10.Supports communication strategy to implement key research insights into business plans at the customer level.

11.Manages issue resolution and process for both vendors and retailers.

12.Partners with Strategic Sourcing and Pricing for all vendor acquisition cost changes.

13.Drives continuous improvement of business systems and processes.

Education & Experience

·Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.

·6-8 years of experience, preferably in Merchandising and/or Retail.

·Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Licenses & Certifications: N/A

Physical Requirements (Delete those that do not apply and only keep those that apply to the role)

·Balancing, Climbing, Crouching, Hearing, Kneeling, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Seeing, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Talking, Typing, Visual Acuity, Walking

Work Environment: Generally, works in climate-controlled office environment.

Travel: Travel may vary in length and duration.