JOB SUMMARY
The Product Manager is responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating pricing and contracts, and managing the front-end processes with supplier set up in our system, financial terms to be established with suppliers. This role will work closely with our Asset/Purchasing team to communicate any new suppliers and coordination of orders to support customer requirements.
On the product side, the role involves managing vendor relationships, purchasing processes, and product management. In the product management capacity, this role focuses on developing strategic supplier relationships, providing sales teams with effective product solutions, and ensuring supplier performance meets company standards. This includes gathering market insights, managing supplier contracts, and advising on product stocking.
This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong relationship management, and tactical execution to support the company's purchasing and product needs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned.
Purchasing:
Vendor Sourcing and Relationship Management:
- Research and evaluate potential suppliers based on factors such as price, quality, and delivery reliability.
- Collaborate with the Asset team to onboard new suppliers and establish strong, productive relationships.
- Regularly monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to product quality or delivery delays.
Negotiation and Contract Management:
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure favorable agreements that benefit the company.
- Draft, review, and manage purchase contracts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
Product Management:
Strategic:
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the Sales Department and suppliers to provide effective solutions for product needs.
- Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with key suppliers to ensure alignment with company goals.
- Develop a deep understanding of supplier policies, procedures, contacts, and products to serve as an expert resource.
- Set a professional and positive example for internal teams and external suppliers.
- Manage supplier relationships as the central point of contact, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
- Attend and actively participate in quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with key suppliers across all divisions.
- Regularly assess and advise management on products to stock based on supplier offerings and market demand.
Tactical:
- Provide accurate price and delivery information to support purchasing and sales activities.
- Generate quotes based on sales data and quote accelerator tools.
- Review and process workflows and action logs to ensure timely resolution of issues.
- Manage the loading, maintenance, and renewal of supplier contracts to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Provide technical product data and support as needed to assist in decision-making.
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or four plus years related sales/marketing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- To perform the position, you must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a US Person as a US Citizen, US Permanent Resident (I.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
- Must be able to report to assigned office location during scheduled in-office workdays.
- Proficiency in the following applications: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Vendor Management:
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills to manage supplier expectations and resolve issues.
- Experience in supplier performance monitoring and issue resolution.
Product Management:
- Expertise in assessing product offerings and advising on optimal stock levels.
- Knowledge of product life cycle, including planning, sourcing, and managing supplier contracts.
- Ability to analyze market trends and make data-driven recommendations for product selection and stocking.
Negotiation and Contract Management:
- Strong negotiation skills for securing favorable pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers.
- Experience in drafting, reviewing, and managing supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
Procurement and Purchasing:
- Proficiency in managing the end-to-end purchasing process, including order creation, supplier communication, and delivery tracking.
- Ability to handle discrepancies in orders, deliveries, and invoices, and resolve issues promptly.
- Experience in sourcing new suppliers and managing supplier onboarding.
Inventory Management:
- Strong understanding of inventory control and stock management to minimize excess inventory or stockouts.
- Ability to work with internal teams (e.g., Sales, Asset, and Supply Chain) to maintain optimal stock levels.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
- Strong analytical skills to assess pricing, delivery performance, and supplier quality.
- Ability to identify areas for cost reduction, process improvement, and efficiency gains.
Project Management:
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with workflow management tools and action logs to ensure timely resolution of issues.
Technical Knowledge:
- Proficiency in product technical data and specifications to assist in decision-making.
- Familiarity with product and inventory management software and tools.
Compliance and Documentation:
- Knowledge of company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards related to procurement and purchasing.
- Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of procurement activities.
Team Collaboration:
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Asset, Legal, etc.) to achieve company goals.
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
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.)
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply.
If this is a US based role the following applies. This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To perform the position, you much be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a US Person as a US Citizen, US Permanent Resident (I.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
Heilind offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full time, regular employees located in the United States which include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision
- Vacation, sick time and holidays
- Accident, life, disability and critical illness insurance
- 401k retirement program with match
- Wellness programs
- Tuition reimbursement
- Referral bonuses
- Employee discount program
- Pet insurance
- And the day off for your birthday!
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