Supplier Program Manager - HVAC

Dakota Supply Group•Plymouth, MN

31d

About The Position

DSG is seeking an HVAC Supplier Program Manager to join our team. As a Supplier Program Manager, you will be responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships with key manufacturers, ensuring the continued profitability of supplier programs, and facilitating product alignment with the field. This position will act as the primary liaison between our suppliers, corporate functions, and field teams, ensuring smooth supplier program communication and collaboration across all levels of the organization. This position will utilize a deep understanding of supplier relationships to drive improvements in profitability while aligning product strategies with business goals. At DSG, we are dedicated to building futures one job at a time. Starting with yours. As an ESOP, we are a community of peers, first and foremost. And we focus on cultivating an environment of respect, teamwork and growth. Where your career path is rich with possibilities. Where every success is shared. And where every challenge is overcome together. For more than a century, we've delivered more than supplies, we've offered true partnership and valuable solutions. By continuing to empower the future of our vendors and customers, we will empower a future of ongoing success for all of us.

Requirements

Experience: Minimum 5+ years of experience in supplier management, program management, or procurement, preferably in a similar industry.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred. Relevant certifications (e.g., CPIM, C.P.M.) a plus.
Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of successfully negotiating pricing, terms, rebates, and co-op funds with suppliers.
Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage relationships at all levels of the organization.
Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex supplier data and maximize profitability.
Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with industry trends, supplier management best practices, and key challenges within the relevant market segment.
Ability to travel up to 50%.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Effective project management abilities
Relationship-building and stakeholder management
High attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment
Strategic thinking and business acumen
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Nice To Haves

Experience working with manufacturers and suppliers, preferred.
Familiarity with supplier management software or tools, preferred.
Active participation in industry groups or trade associations is a plus.

Responsibilities

Supplier Relationship Management: Serve as a key contributor in maintaining and enhancing corporate supplier relationships, while enabling strong supplier and representative connections with the field.
Program Negotiation & Management: Negotiate and manage annual supplier programs, including pricing, payment terms, rebates, and co-op funds, ensuring optimal financial outcomes for the company.
Rebate & Incentive Maximization: Partner with finance and procurement teams to grow supplier rebates and incentives, taking ownership of rebate maximization strategies.
Strategic Product Alignment: Collaborate closely with the VP Segment Strategy and/or VP Sales & Marketing and National Segments, to organize, negotiate, implement, and track strategic product alignment across the organization.
Supplier Communication & Field Liaison: Act as the corporate liaison between suppliers and field teams. Regularly inform suppliers of relevant company news, product launches, sales initiatives, and strategic updates. Similarly, keep the field informed of pertinent supplier news and opportunities.
Intermediary Role: Serve as the intermediary between suppliers, corporate support teams and the field, resolving issues and ensuring smooth communication when necessary.
Field Feedback Loop: Maintain an open feedback loop with field teams to stay informed about supplier needs, opportunities, and performance feedback.
Field Supplier Negotiation Support: Assist field teams with supplier negotiations when required, ensuring favorable terms and outcomes.
Industry Engagement: Actively participate in trade associations and attend industry conferences to stay informed of market trends and expand professional networks.
Problem Resolution: Collaborate with field teams and purchasing departments to resolve supplier-related issues and ensure smooth operations.
Supplier Profitability Grading: Develop and maintain a Supplier Profitability Grading Scale to aid key associates in making informed decisions regarding supplier partnerships and product offerings.
All other duties as assigned.

Benefits

We are proudly 100% employee owned, which means your hard work and decisions directly benefit not only the success of the organization, but also your individual Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
We are highly committed to your training and development, offering personal and professional development opportunities and unlimited growth potential.
We offer competitive compensation packages based on your experience and potential.
You will receive generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Medical Leave (EML) allowances.
Our comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision, also offers a multitude of other perks such as life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution, among many others.
We know the importance of family, and offer various family planning and childcare savings opportunities, including paid parental leave, adoption assistance, infertility assistance, and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Build your financial future through multiple retirement savings opportunities, including a 401(k) with employer match and ESOP.
You will receive a discount on all DSG-supplied products.
We believe in giving back to our communities and hope that you will too, which is why we offer paid volunteer hours in addition to PTO.

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