Samples Manager

ABC Stone•Hicksville, NY

3d•$100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ABC Stone is seeking an experienced Samples Manager to join their growing team. This role is crucial for crafting effective material planning strategies, nurturing supplier relationships, and resolving material-related issues. The Samples Manager will leverage ERP/MRP systems to ensure inventory and production demands are consistently met. The ideal candidate will have a background in overseeing sample materials, ensuring their availability for product development and production, while also managing broader material flow and supplier relationships to meet demands cost-efficiently. This involves analyzing demand, forecasting sample needs, sourcing and procuring materials, managing inventory levels, negotiating with suppliers, and collaborating with internal departments to ensure materials are on hand in the right quantity, quality, and time.

Requirements

Must have clean drivers license.
Must have knowledge of Natural Stone (characteristics & Quality).
Proficient with maintaining adequate sample Inventory Levels in multiple locations using inventory tool.
Must be a participatory Leader (hands-on).
Experience with labeling software.
Proficient with ERP/MRP systems (Stone Profit a plus).
Experience in supply chain management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent sales and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
Excellent collaborative abilities with team members and stakeholders.
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years related experience required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement material planning strategies and processes.
Analyze demand & creating inventory schedules.
Monitor and maintain accurate records of inventory.
Ensure adequate stock levels.
Manage the prompt processing (cutting) and distribution of new material samples across all locations.
Implement JIT (Just-in-Time) strategies to reduce waste and cost.
Source, negotiate with and manage relationships with suppliers (ensure timely and cost effective delivery of materials (oversees samples)).
Work in partnership with Sales, Receiving, Quality Control (Inventory Control), Logistics & Procurement.
Identify Process Improvement opportunities to ensure optimization of inventory, reduce waste, cut cost and improve the overall efficiency of the samples department and material planning processes.
Utilize ERP/MRP to track & manage sample needs.
Oversee all 3 locations.
Travel to all 3 locations: 1x week physically in NYC, 2x week physically in BK, 2x week physically in Hv.
Check inventory levels, make sure sample room is replenished.
Collaborate with Showroom TL.
Fulfill sample request timely.
Place and remove new or existing samples in bins, in the libraries (workstation wall & sample room).
Ship samples to Brooklyn from HV.
Coordinate from HV, BK & NYC Samples.
Check displays in to ensure updated with current products – all locations.
Works in tandem with Inventory Control Specialist to allocate slabs for samples.
Own the inventory needs file.
Coordinate exterior stone samples with factories (order from factories).
Coordination with Procurement to ensure that oversees purchases include samples.
Assist the VP of Sales and the Sales Team with Library updates.
Organize sample pick-ups from clients – sample returns.
Responsible for maintaining Trade Show sample kits.
Collaborate with VP of Sales on organization of sample kit and curated collections for distribution to clients.
Coordinating with Marketing and Sales for sample delivery and collection for CEU, Brand Presentation, Trade Shows, product demonstrations and other Events.
Work cohesively with the out of state sales team to ensure they always have updated samples, trade show kits & marketing material (brochures, live inventory cards & ABC Bags) for presentations.
Forecast needs – inventory.
Ensure samples are pristine and a good representation of the brand.
Manage and maintain sample Inventory Levels in each location using tool.
Labels neat and orderly – on sample and box.
Responsible for ensuring that samples are of good quality & represent the material well.
Performs other related duties as assigned.