Category Development Analyst

PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE:

• As needed, assist Sales Proposal Team and Category Development Leader to evaluate requests for proposal (“RFP”) components, e.g. product mix, manufacturers, margins, and overall account requirements, and prepare a proposal response. Includes both prospects and existing customers:
• Negotiate with Manufacturer/Suppliers for costs, pricing guarantees, etc.
• Propose margin structure based on data from Sales Team, distributors, etc.
• Calculate proposed sell prices.
• Develop initial distributor assignments.
• Submit findings to Category Development Leader for QAR (Quality Assurance Review) and inclusion in overall proposal.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Update price lists, cost supports, and account profiles, as needed
• Provide Manufacturer/Suppliers with data on customer locations and/or Member Distributors participating in a program, as needed.
• Recommend ways/methods to improve efficiency and productivity within the department.
• Assist staff at Member Distributors and Customers around corporate account programs, product evaluations, order guide development, pricing methodologies, location assignments relative to Member Distributor core competencies, etc.
• Promote a collaborative atmosphere within NETWORK and the Customer Development team. Assist and share knowledge with others to enhance department growth.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated knowledge of supply chain management and the manufacturers/suppliers of core product categories: janitorial and sanitation supplies, foodservice packaging and disposables, and/or industrial packaging supplies
• Demonstrated skill in coordinating customer product bundle development, with the ability to prioritize and deliver on multiple concurrent initiatives
• Self-starter and creative problem solver with ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Strong data management skills handling large volumes of data
• Excellent understanding of and ability to perform mark-up / margin calculations, various analytical formulas and math functions
• Results driven, with a desire to work in a fast paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations
• Excellent technical ability in mathematical calculations and internet research

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Work History Requirements:
• Minimum 5-7 years purchasing experience and/or purchasing analytical work with large volume data and price file management processes.
• Distribution environment preferred.
• Education Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree with concentration in business or finance preferred.
• If no Bachelor’s degree, then 8+ years of equivalent and directly relevant work experience.

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:

• Intermediate to Advanced level of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• End-user experience in using ERP systems. Familiarity with SAP a plus.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• None

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• As needed depending on background, Category Development functions and role’s purpose within the organization.
• Manufacturer/Supplier training sessions to maintain product and industry knowledge – occasionally off-site.
• Communication training course
• General Workplace Safety.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Extended hours periodically required due to business needs
• Usual office working conditions.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the essential levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.