Vendor Data Spec

Medline•Northfield, MN

About The Position

This position is responsible for ensuring vendor data and Medline data are synchronized by overseeing and analyzing numerous data points and reports. The role frequently requires making judgment calls, exercising discretion, and applying problem-solving skills to resolve discrepancies identified by vendors and customers. It demands a comprehensive understanding of various business areas, leading to decisions with significant financial implications. Key responsibilities include executing item creation, maintenance, discontinuation, and reactivation, as well as coordinating vendor mergers, analyzing daily discrepancy reports, and investigating vendor communications for necessary updates. The role also involves overseeing acquisition and base cost pricing with meticulous attention to detail, reconciling discrepancies to maintain positive vendor and customer relationships, and evaluating vendor adherence to distribution agreements. The Vendor Data Spec will facilitate effective date negotiations for situations not explicitly covered by agreements, making formal recommendations to Vendor Relations for future improvements. Further duties include analyzing divisional reports and system data to identify product surplus, obtaining vendor authorization for returns, and negotiating restocking fees to minimize divisional losses. The role also entails reviewing portfolio analytics to propose process improvement recommendations to management, maintaining shared mailboxes, responding to requests promptly, and submitting assigned files and projects within specified timelines. Establishing and maintaining close working relationships with various internal groups such such as Vendor Relations, Vendor Representatives, Quality, Finance [A/P], Chargebacks, Contracts, and Inventory Management, as well as other relevant personnel, is crucial.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field
Experience working in a fast-paced environment, analyzing large data sets, and adhering to competing deadlines without compromising accuracy/quality.
Provide customer service to internal and external requestors and manage workloads that necessitate portfolio-specific analytics to occur for departmental success and process improvement(s).
Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Excel (i.e. VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, IF Statements, SUM function and sort/filter).
Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Outlook (i.e. creating folders, utilizing calendar/reminders, and coordinating meetings).

Nice To Haves

Advanced time management skills to ensure daily work, discrepancies and/or projects are accomplished within given SLA’s.
Experience building and maintaining relationships within and between teams/vendors.
Advanced skill level in Microsoft Excel (i.e. macros and advanced formulas).
Exposure/experience with SAP and/or Zendesk

Responsibilities

Execute item creation(s), subsequent maintenance, discontinuation(s), and reactivation(s).
Coordinate vendor mergers, analysis of daily discrepancy report(s), and investigate vendor files/communications for needed changes.
Oversee acquisition and base cost pricing with a high attention to detail.
Reconcile discrepancies that can hinder both vendor and customer relationships if not reconciled timely and/or communicated appropriately.
Evaluate vendor adherence to distribution agreement(s), facilitate effective date negotiations when situations occur that may not be explicitly covered, and make formal recommendations to Vendor Relations on changes needed to avoid in the future.
Analyze divisional reports and system data to identify product surplus.
Obtain authorization from vendor(s) to return and exercise judgment in handling restocking fee negotiations to minimize divisional losses.
Review portfolio analytics to submit process improvement recommendations to management for business impact.
Maintain shared mailboxes and respond to requests in a timely manner.
Submit assigned files and/or projects to management, vendor(s) and/or internal team(s) within provided timelines.
Establish and maintain a close working relationship with the following groups: Vendor Relations, Vendor Representatives, Quality, Finance [A/P], Chargebacks, Contracts, Inventory Management and other appropriate personnel.