Position Summary:

This position will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining strategic supplier relationships within the PVF – US division, which includes the following industries: Industrial PVF, commercial mechanical PVF, Oil & Gas, Groundwater and Water Works.

The role will lead the effort to increase divisional earnings, improve Member market competitiveness with national competitors, and develop and execute plans and strategies to enhance AD’s value to the Supplier community.

Internally, the role will be the PVF Divisions’ primary interface with Financial Programs and the “owner” of all Supplier program documentation and implementation.

Primary Responsibilities:

Supplier Partners

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive supplier strategy for the division, aligned with AD’s overall business objectives.

2. Lead, support and manage the PVF Product Committee and task forces to meet PVF – US divisional goals.

3. Balance Supplier Partner expectations and Member needs to maximize earning opportunities.

4. Negotiate with Supplier partners utilizing the division’s size and purchasing power; Support and grow leveraged Group purchasing.

5. Manage and negotiate all Supplier partner programs (confidential agreements, rebates, terms and conditions, Growth Incentives, Power Buys, Sales Promotions and sponsorships).

6. Lead, develop and execute the Power Buy program, negotiating volume discounts and promotional opportunities with suppliers to drive member participation and profitability.

7. Creatively develop and implement initiatives/programs that add value to members and suppliers.

8. Lead potential supplier recruiting efforts for the business segments within PVF – US.

9. Manage exceptional relationships with all existing and potential PVF – US preferred suppliers.

a. Take a strong advocacy position on behalf of Member with Suppliers.

b. Alert Suppliers to potential opportunities with Members and assist in conflict resolution.

c. Work to strengthen Supplier relationships and aid in converting sales to PVF – US preferred suppliers.

d. Onboard new suppliers and new suppliers contacts with AD.

10. AD Industry Expert

a. Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and regulatory changes affecting the PVF and related industries to inform supplier strategies.

b. Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supplier relationships and operational efficiencies.

c. Benchmark AD group buy processes and benefits against National Chains.

d. Inform PVF team of issues & opportunities.

e. Maintain current reporting and develop new reports to analyze and communicate opportunities.

11. Provide support and participate with the PHCP Supplier Advisory Council (SAC).

12. Work with AD divisional counterparts to manage multidivisional suppliers and share best practices.

13. Represent AD and the PVF – US division at industry events, trade shows, and supplier meetings to foster relationships and identify new business opportunities.

Member Focus

1. Collaborate closely with member distributors to understand their product requirements and ensure supplier agreements meet their operational needs and market demands.

2. Work in conjunction with PVF – US Member engagement team to grow member support of AD Suppliers and drive earnings maximization.

3. Communicate earning opportunities and the value to members. 

4. Act on suppler partner feedback from membership.

5. Document and report information to membership to support value of supplier programs.

6. Implement plans and activities to move “purchase leakage” to AD preferred suppliers.

7. Serve as a resource to educate and support PVF – US members on market activities and opportunities (such as communicating consistent, informative market information through newsletters, conference calls, functional training, personal calls, etc.)

8. Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. PVF industry knowledge and relationships

2. Ability to build and maintain positive, long-term, “preferential” relationships

1. Results oriented; a demonstrable and consistent record of achieving worthy business goals

3. Global Pipe Valves & Fittings (PVF) products knowledge and expertise

4. Low-Cost Country (LCC) experience 

5. Logistics experience 

6. Strong drive and work ethic

7. Well organized and able to work well independently

8. High attention to detail and documentation

9. Lead by example

10. Manage and execute innovations

11. Negotiate skillfully

12. Demonstrated knowledge of supplier rebate and or incentive programs with success in negotiating positive deals that drive distributor performance and supplier ROI

13. Organizationally agile

14. Strong interpersonal communication skills (1on1, small groups and addressing larger groups). 

15. Ability to develop and deliver presentations conveying divisional goals and metrics to members and suppliers 

16. Ability to successfully facilitate meeting, listen and assimilate opposing views and build consensus with senior-level distributor and supplier executives

17. Ability to successfully communicate, negotiate and resolve conflict at the senior executive level (ability to be influential? but diplomatic and find the win-win)

Qualifications:

1. Familiarity and a solid reputation for integrity, results and competency with some or many of our PVF Members and Suppliers.

2. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred; a candidate’s formal education and degree is secondary to their work.

3. At least 7-10 years of progressive experience in global supplier management, purchasing, or category management within the PVF related industries.

4. Deep understanding of PVF, Industrial, Commercial Mechanical and Oil & Gas Industries preferred.

Additional Comments:

• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with suppliers, attend industry events, meet at AD headquarters and visit AD members. (30-40% estimated)