Position Impact

Maintain a trust-based relationship with suppliers ensuring that EMG can efficiently purchase and flow product at a competitive cost, in the quantities desired.

Essential job functions

• Develop and maintain high level knowledge about EMG’s products and services (product expert).
• Develop and plan appropriate merchandise assortments that support key trends in merchandise strategy including working with suppliers on new item trends, staying informed of the marketplace as it relates to new product offerings, and market analysis.
• Create and review accurate forecasts with demand planner and vendors utilizing knowledge of vendors future event and input from Sales team
• Own weekly sales/margin/turnover reporting, take actions as needed.
• Share 6 month forecasts, by item, with suppliers monthly to gain better understanding of availability and provide supplier with potential demand and dates needed.
• Vendor/Supplier Management:
  • Develop and maintain a best in class vendor relationship management process
  • Understand assigned vendor line gaining a thorough knowledge of the vendors business, goals, needs and expectations.
  • Understand vendor production timeline, lead times; work to improve as needed.
  • Understand profitability by vendor and impact to bottom line; work to improve as required.
  • Maintain vendor base and determine back-up suppliers as needed.
  • Partner with suppliers to increase sales by listening for new opportunities and proactively requesting cost savings, volume buys, or discounts.
  • Negotiate best costs for all programs; ensuring margins are maintained.
  • Request markdown money/chargebacks from vendor to resolve issues with excess inventory or problem items and late shipments.
  • Negotiate payment terms.
  • Regularly meet with suppliers to discuss upcoming promotions and new item introductions.
  • Develop and maintain vendor report carding to include on-time shipping, terms, quality, communication.
  • Translate vendor knowledge into sales team actions that drive the line within EMG sales channels
  • Contribute to the annual planning process ensuring the vendor business plans align with EMG’s sales strategy and forecast.
• Increase the vendor’s knowledge of EMG specifically highlighting the partnership, support, and sales value of EMG based on their goals, needs and expectations
• Partner with A/P Department on vendor payments, terms and approvals
• Ensure adherence to product timelines across all departments
• Other projects as assigned

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience working with a consumer products manufacturer in a buying/planning role
• Bachelor degree in business preferred
• Detail oriented
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem solving and organization skills

• Self-motivated, goal-oriented and flexible

• 10%-15% travel required

Behavioral attributes

• A commitment to self-improvement
• The ability to embrace and continually adapt to change
• A positive attitude even when unexpected challenges arise
• A willingness to take responsibility and be accountable for achieving personal and team results

ADA requirements

• Frequently required to sit; talk or hear and use hands to handle or touch objects or controls
• Regularly required to stand and walk
• On occasion, may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders
• Must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Disclaimer

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.