Distribution and Contracts Specialist

Distribution and Contracts Specialist

The Distribution and Contracts Specialist works in the Distribution Department of the Waterbury Republican-American under the supervision of the Distribution Manager. The Distribution and Contracts Specialist will have direct responsibility for a defined geographic region (potentially multi-location), that includes home delivered, single copy, bulk, education, targeted deliveries for the Republican-American along a vast portfolio of third-party distribution partners.

This position manages activities, performance and service level performance of Independent Contractors and Distributors. This role will be responsible for implementing strategies to support home delivery and single copy revenue, volume growth and retention, route optimization and independent contractor retention while effectively managing budgeted expenses targets.

What will you do :

• Manage and administer formal Requests for Proposal (RFP) and independent contractor proforma’s as applicable within assigned region(s).
• Identify and execute regional best practices and assist in identification and execution of cost containment strategies.
• Provide input into budgets and capital submissions for assigned region(s).
• Prepare, analyze, and execute substantive contracts and renegotiation requests.
• Measure contract service metrics for each independent business/contractor as related to the Delivery Service Agreement.
• Work directly with Distribution Manager and Distribution Director to determine whether to extend or terminate contractual relationships with independent contractors, distributors, and wholesalers.
• Works closely with Republican-American staff and Commercial partners to ensure 3 rd party data accuracy, billing and returns.
• Interacts with independent contractors and single copy partners to ensure timely and accurate submission of single copy returns.
• Interfaces with independent contractors to reduce escalated complaints and poor service stops.
• Manages independent contractor service levels and service level incentives in accordance with Home Delivery Service Agreement.
• Ensure efficient distribution of products throughout assigned area: including planning for route optimization.
• Provide distribution center help in down stacking all products, inserts, printing contractor paperwork, unload and loading of trucks in bundles, carts, pallets.
• Assist with delivering down routes for home delivery and single copy, product verification, complaint redelivery.
Perform all other duties as assigned.

What you need to be successful:

• High School Diploma/bachelor’s degree preferred with 5-10 years relative experience
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holiday’s
• Computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, NCS, touch-typing and internet services
• Proficiency in contract administration, negotiation, and compliance
• Ability to prepare and analyze contracts in an effective and error free manner
• Analytical ability to manage contract performance metrics and complete departmental level reporting.
• Work effectively across departments, including Operations, Field Services, Customer Care, Newsroom and Sales.
• Work closely with management to ensure all leased facilities are maintained in the appropriate condition and costs are minimized.
• Ability to manage budgets and identify opportunities for cost savings and optimization
• Ability to respond to frequent demands of multiple customers (internal and external)
Strong interpersonal skills and be very customer focused

Perks & Benefits:

In addition to the traditional Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, Hearst has many supportive benefits designed to help you and your family safeguard your physical, financial, emotional, and family wellbeing in different life moments. Some highlights include:

• $40/month cellphone reimbursement
• Mental Wellness Support through Spring Health
• Life, Accident, and Disability Insurance
• Student Loan Refinancing & College Savings through SoFi
• Free financial coaching & education through Financial Finesse
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement Plan Through Wagmo
• LGBTQ Health Services through Included Health
• Fertility and Family Planning via Progyny
• Monthly Childcare & Dependent Care Reimbursement
• Pregnancy, Postpartum, Doula Coverage & Menopause Support Through Maven Clinic
• 401K & Roth401K contributions with a company match