Job Description:

The Associate Vendor Relationship Manager role is focused on setting up and managing the key operational processes that support the strategies laid out by the department’s Senior Category Strategy Manager to deliver the best merchant/buyer and retailer experience possible. Manages process, tactics and strategies for vendor negotiation and cost management. Responsible for developing tactics and managing the daily activities for assigned product categories that drive sales and margin for the company and its retailers. Works to support internal teams and is the main point of contact for multiple processes, including line review, item set up, vendor set up, reporting and analytics. Works cross-functionally with all areas.

Responsibilities (May perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned).

1.       Manages supplier relationships up to $5M.

2.       Manages transactional vendor negotiations.

3.       Implements best in-class processes to approach vendor negotiation, cost management, assortment execution, planogram creation, and related sourcing activities.

4.       Maintains oversight of all item maintenance and ensures accuracy of new product data.

5.       Manages contract creation, approval, administration, and compliance to maximize performance and minimize risk.

6.       Develops vendor communication in support of department activities, including line/assortment reviews. Executes cross-functional communication strategy of line review for successful implementation plan.

7.       Evaluates wholesale and retail competitors’ products, prices, and strategies.

8.       Project manages the assortment including scheduling, creating presentations and reports, and communication.

9.       Analyzes, researches, and supports retail assortment and category reviews.

10.    Assists Merchant Team and Space Planning Department in the roll out of new programs.

11.    Manages issue resolution and process for both vendors and retailers.

12.    Partners with Strategic Sourcing and Pricing for all vendor acquisition cost changes.

13.    Helps drive continuous improvement of business systems and processes.  

Education & Experience

·        Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.

·        4-6 years of experience, preferably in Merchandising and/or Retail.

·        Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Licenses & Certifications

·        N/A

Physical Requirements (Delete those that do not apply and only keep those that apply to the role)

·        Balancing, Climbing, Crouching, Hearing, Kneeling, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Seeing, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Talking, Typing, Visual Acuity, Walking

Work Environment: Generally, works in climate-controlled office environment.

Travel: Travel may vary in length and duration.

Merchandising

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