Sources and negotiates products and services “not for resale” for the enterprise with the goal of reducing costs and increasing total value to the business. Assists business with “for resale” sourcing and negotiations, as requested by UNFI Merchandising.
Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Delivers consistent reductions in the cost of goods and services, while maximizing total value for assigned categories
Leads negotiation in assigned categories, manage negotiations with stakeholders and/or consultants
Evaluates and possesses a comprehensive understanding of product and service cost composition
Develops an annual sourcing calendar of initiatives for assigned categories, based on business plans, market conditions and terms of outstanding contracts
Determines and recommends, in collaboration with business owners, appropriate vendor selection and the best source of supply
Supports the business as an independent advocate for the most value-adding solution to a sourcing initiative
Analyzes and selects optimum channels of distribution for the delivery of goods and services to the end users
Develops long term, strategic vendor partnerships, to bring competitive advantages to the business
Articulates the business terms of new agreements to Legal and ensures that final contract language is consistent with the terms of those agreements
Communicates with and steers a cross-functional team of business owners, Finance, Legal, I/T and other stakeholders, through the End-to-End Strategic Procurement Process and coordinates their engagement
Proactively supports and enables the participation of diverse suppliers in corporate sourcing initiatives (Goal of 20% of sourced spend)
Identifies supply chain process improvement opportunities and reports to the business owner for evaluation and potential implementation
Identifies, qualifies and develops new suppliers, while continuously maintaining existing supplier base for the enterprise
Works in conjunction with Analytics to establish baseline spends, validate commodity market changes, design financial models and develop annual category savings forecasts
Manages vendor-induced price increase proposals, through an active methodology of analyzing vendor cost drivers and benchmarking against verifiable market indicators (cost avoidance)
Facilitates the tracking of savings and cost avoidance
Resolves complex issues and communicates solutions to upper management
Collaborates with business owners in strategic vendor management processes, including vendor scorecards, product quality and business reviews
Coordinates the product testing with QA, business owners and other relevant stakeholders, when necessary, for successful sourcing
Point of contact for vendor program related questions
Assists in the resolution of problems to ensure compliance with agreements, while preserving positive vendor relationships
Executes other duties as requested or required
Job Requirements:
Relevant Experience, Education, Certification, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management, Marketing or related field is preferred
Previous experience with demand planning, procurement and use of dashboard metrics systems for results management and reporting
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Possess high degree of initiative, creative, innovative, proactive skills and abilities
Good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships at all levels of the Company and in the business community
Good project management, leadership and supervisory skills
High level of analytical and financial skills
Possess the ability to create and make management presentations
Understanding of manufacturing cost structures
Experience in negotiating contracts
Computer proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
1-3+ years sourcing related experience typically gained from positions in inventory planning, replenishment, category management, merchandising or similar positions
Under direct supervision gathers and validates COGS data, prepares negotiating strategy, participates in and executes negotiations, develops category close and executable documents, working toward level of independence within categories
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
