Vendor Relations - Director, HVAC

Position Summary

The Vendor Relations—Director of Industry Relations will act as the principal corporate liaison between Winsupply and its preferred vendors within the HVAC Industry. They will also work closely with manufacturers' representatives, the Cooperative/Buying groups and trade associations involved in the business segments in which Winsupply engages.

The focus of the role will primarily be on the HVAC Industry. This position will report to the Vice President of Vendor Relations and will play a vital role in determining the vendor engagement strategy for Winsupply.

This position supports the Local Company's operations and business development regarding vendor engagement. It has a three-way split in responsibility to the organization: first, the Local Company’s ability to be competitive in the market they serve; second, Winsupply Inc.’s volume incentive revenue stream and vendor investments; and third, Winsupply Sourcing profitability.

This position will be responsible for all aspects of national vendor agreements, including vendor incentive and distribution center programs, marketing and co-op program funding, cash discounts, and payment terms, return and conversion programs, inventory and buy-in requirements, and negotiating access to lines, particularly from vendors with restrictive or selective distribution policies.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Supplier Contracts: Negotiate corporate supplier contracts and agreements, focusing on lowering costs and maximizing opportunities for increased profitability.
• Sources of Supply: Partner with the Winsupply Sourcing Services LLC and Local Companies on maintaining reliable and favorable supply sources for products with more than one sourcing option for the appropriate product(s) while focusing on the Winsupply stated objective of vendor consolidation and profitability.
• Performance Management: Oversee tracking, evaluation, and review of key preferred vendors to positively impact sales volume and profitability. Assure vendor compliance with Winsupply processes. Must be proficient with G-suite applications, Microsoft Power BI, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Business Development: Engages key suppliers to develop promotions, support new product launches, and inventory balancing activities.
• Industry Engagement: Developing strategies for Winsupply Local Companies to engage further and become aware of market trends and vendor engagements. This includes owning Winsupply’s involvement in the HARDI and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
• Cooperative/Buying group: The role will also be the principal strategic point of contact for Winsupply membership of a Cooperative/Buying group within the HVAC industry.

Competencies for Success

• Detail oriented
• Analytical/critical thinking
• Effective communication
• Customer-focused mindset
• Deadline driven
• Willingness to travel approximately +40% of the year

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships with vendors and fellow team members at all levels while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain complete confidentiality and discretion in business relationships and exercise sound business judgment
• At least ten years of experience in the HVAC industry's wholesale, supply chain, or manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Management and Leadership experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field. Instead of a degree, ten or more years of relevant experience may suffice.

Physical Demands

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Sitting for extended periods
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and other computer components

Winsupply is an equal-opportunity employer, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply, including minorities, veterans, women, and those with disabilities.