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Supplier Management Specialist

AT Grainger
Grainger

Supplier Management Specialist

Markham, Canada

Work Location Type: Hybrid

As a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. We're dedicated to providing value for customers, fostering an engaging culture for team members and driving strong financial results.

Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. As a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, we're looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry over our next 100 years.

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This role reports into the Supplier & Merchandising Operations Manager to achieve cost of goods sold goals across multiple product categories which range from $25M-$50M in COGS. You will be responsible for supporting coordination and communication with all internal stakeholders for any supplier related issues and leading all vendor negotiations / performance discussions on a periodic (monthly/quarterly) cadence. This role will also collaborate with the procurement enablement team as needed to drive best-in-class procurement process standards.

Job Responsibilities

  • Ensure Grainger has the best product assortment for our customers at the best cost
  • Implement all needed changes in Grainger systems
  • Provide analytical support as needed (cost season, commodities, etc.)
  • Establish and track key commodity and supply market changes and keep supplier manager and merchandising manager informed of any developments
  • Coordinate needed communications with the supplier (i.e. trade data compliance process)
  • Support and execute a price/cost management strategy, which provides market competitive pricing, minimizes cost inflation, drives top-line sales growth and improves return on invested capital
  • Support supplier manager and meet cost inflation targets for the organization across $25M - $50M in COGS
  • Support efforts to help improve supplier relationships with Grainger and make it easier for suppliers to do business with Grainger
  • Assist in exceeding team goals through management and execution of specific projects related to the following areas: procurement review implementation, data optimization, inventory management, supplier performance improvement, pricing analysis, Supplier Agreement Letter / Product-line Liability Insurance compliance, marketing program support, rebate tracking, etc.
  • Assist in resolving supplier/product issues that arise with suppliers, customers and field employees
  • Perform related financial, market and business analyses on trends impacting the Product Category, requests for proposal and PPI trends to assist Team leadership in making effective business decisions
  • Assist in the annual cost cycle negotiation with Supplier Managers. Examples include gathering supplier information for negotiations, running financial analysis, comparing item level information to Grainger US and assisting in negotiations for smaller suppliers
  • Continuously look for areas of process and business improvements within your role
  • Participate in cross-functional teams and projects where appropriate to ensure Supplier
  • Management processes, concerns, and business issues are properly addressed for increased productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction/service

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business Management or related field
  • 2+ years business experience with a strong working knowledge of Supply Chain Management
  • Proven ability to drive and demonstrate results financially, strategically, and managerially
  • Clear and thorough knowledge of the negotiation process and key stages, sets high standards and expectations
  • Experience with MS Office & SAP required, Smartsheet experience nice-to-have
  • Proven Change Management skills by inspiring teams to welcome change, embrace new directions, and future opportunities
  • Anticipates change and proactively prepares for it by defining objectives, responsibilities and time frames

Working Relationships

External:

  • Suppliers: Promote Grainger, share direction, manage assets and determine levels of supplier's commitment to secure and/or advance our position in the market
  • Industry peers: to ensure best in class processes and procurement practices are introduced across Grainger

Internal:

  • Merchandising: collaborate to establish a clear supplier engagement model for the team
  • Sales and Services and branch: Supports selling efforts of the sales and branch organizations through existing and new products.
  • Supply Chain: Optimizes the handling, inbound and outbound movement of product, from supplier through to the customer.
  • Finance: Conducts profitability of product lines using financial tools. Participates with Accounts Payable and Cost Accounting in managing and improving transactions with suppliers.

Rewards and Benefits:
Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet your individual needs. Check out some of the benefits available to you with Grainger (may vary based on hours worked):

  • Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Paid time off (PTO) and up to 12 company holidays per year (dependent on home province)
  • Life insurance coverage, including spousal and dependent life insurance.
  • Employee Family Assistance Program to help team members with physical, emotional, mental, financial and other concerns
  • Registered Retirement Savings Plan & Defined Contribution Pension Plan to help you save for your financial future
  • Educational & Professional Membership Fee Assistance program
  • Employee discounts, team member perks and more!

DEI Statement

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match this job post as you may still be the right candidate for this role or others. We aspire to create a culture where everyone is comfortable being who they are, can learn and grow to realize their full potential, and is recognized and rewarded for their impact.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all external candidates. Internal candidates undergo a background check when they move from a non-driving role to a driving role.

Grainger is an Equal Opportunity Workplace. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. Accommodations are available on request.

Client-provided location(s): Thornhill, Vaughan, ON, Canada
Job ID: Grainger-312049-en_US
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Casual Dress
    • On-Site Cafeteria
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Leave of Absence
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Stock Purchase Program
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
    • Promote From Within
    • Professional Coaching
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
    • Woman founded/led
    • Black founded/led
    • Asian founded/led
    • Veteran founded/led
    • Unconscious Bias Training