Junior Supplier Business Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Junior Supplier Business Manager supports the Supplier Business Managers (SBMs), Product Managers (PMs), and Asset teams in managing and optimizing supplier relationships, procurement processes, and supply chain activities. The role focuses on enhancing supplier performance, ensuring cost savings, streamlining order management, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts in supplier operations. This entry-level position offers an excellent opportunity to develop skills in strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supplier management. The candidate will be expected to contribute to key supplier coordination tasks, support cost management initiatives, and assist with inventory optimization and process improvement efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supplier Coordination & Communication:

• Assist in managing supplier relationships by maintaining clear and consistent communication with suppliers and internal teams.
• Engage in daily communication with Supplier Business Managers (SBMs) to track progress and ensure alignment on supplier-related objectives.
• Support the Supplier Business Managers in negotiating and optimizing supplier agreements and contracts.
• Assist in resolving supplier performance issues and escalating when necessary.
• Contract & Order Management:

• • Support in reviewing supplier contracts and agreements, ensuring that terms and conditions are met.
  • Help monitor the fulfillment of purchase orders (POs) and ensure orders are received on time and to specification.
  • Track and manage supplier performance metrics (e.g., delivery, quality, cost) to ensure compliance.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring:
• • Assist in evaluating supplier performance using KPIs (e.g., on-time delivery, quality, cost savings).
  • Monitor supplier adherence to contractual obligations and escalate issues when needed.
  • Track and report supplier performance trends to senior business managers.
• Data Entry & Reporting:
• • Maintain supplier databases and records, ensuring up-to-date and accurate information.
  • Assist in preparing monthly or quarterly reports on supplier performance, cost analysis, and procurement metrics.
  • Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for supplier performance improvement.
• Cost Management & Optimization:
• • Assist with cost analysis initiatives by assisting in cost negotiations, conducting cost analysis, and preparing related reports within supply chain process.
  • Engage in daily communication with Supplier Business Managers (SBMs) to track progress and ensure alignment on supplier-related objectives.
  • Support the Supplier Business Managers in negotiating and optimizing supplier agreements and contracts.
  • Help identify alternative suppliers to reduce procurement costs or improve product quality.
  • Support negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms
  • Assist in resolving supplier performance issues and escalating when necessary.
• Process Improvement & Continuous Learning:
• • Help identify areas for process improvements within supplier management practices.
  • Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices to recommend improvements and apply relevant knowledge to streamline workflows, improve communication, and enhance supplier performance.
  • Participate in supplier meetings and training sessions to improve procurement skills and product knowledge.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• • Collaborate with internal departments such as logistics, inventory management, and production to ensure that supplier needs align with organizational requirements.
  • Collaborate with the senior business manager to align supplier strategies with organizational goals and objectives.

• Engage in daily communication with Supplier Business Managers (SBMs) to track progress and ensure alignment on supplier-related objectives.
• New Product Introductions (NPI)
• • Assist in driving the New Product Introductions (NPI) process by working with SBMs to assess product fit within the business model, entering approved NPIs into the system, and ensuring tracking through the Corp process.
  • Proactively collaborate with the Asset team to resolve NPI-related issues, including pricing and other concerns.
• Product Compliance Issues
• • Assist in monitoring and addressing product compliance issues by working with SBMs, PMs, and the Product Data Group to ensure data integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Participate in on-going conference calls
• • Assist in Publishing Supplier Reports

• Inventory Analysis
  • Assist in inventory analysis, including gap reports, NPI analysis, and lost business reviews, and contribute recommendations for inventory optimization.
  • Leverage data analysis tools to identify inventory trends and recommend adjustments for better stock management.

• Quality Issues
• • Collaborate with the SBM & TE Quality Dept.'s on major quality issues
Product Expert
• - Main Point of contact for Product Information

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1-3 years of experience in procurement, supplier management, or supply chain roles (internships or entry-level positions may be considered).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel is required. (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with procurement software or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is a plus.
• Experience with procurement or supply chain software (e.g., SAP Oracle, or other ERP systems) is a plus.
• Experience with Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) tools, advanced Excel functions, or other data analysis software is a plus.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• ITAR Requirement: Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), which includes U.S. citizens, permanent residents (Green Card holders), political asylees, or refugees. This is a legal requirement due to the nature of the company's contracts.
• Must be able to report to assigned office location during scheduled in-office workdays.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize data and present insights.

• Solid understanding of supplier relationship management and procurement processes.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to troubleshoot supplier issues, identify root causes, and collaborate on finding efficient solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with internal departments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is often required to stand, sit, use computers, read, write, type, use copy machines, file paperwork, use telephones, and utilize written and oral communication to interact with clients, co-workers, and customers. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (paperwork, typing, using mouse/keyboard). The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work.)