Merchandise Sourcing Analyst

About the position

The Merchandise/ Sourcing Analyst will be responsible for the effective procurement of all direct material needs within their assigned area, striving to source the best product assortment to meet our client’s needs and fit their budgets. Additional responsibilities will include support and participation in sourcing strategies, achieving margin goals, evaluating vendor offerings, and many other aspects of the Sourcing process. Moreover, the analyst will support sourcing initiatives including productivity, new product development, supplier relations, and Sales growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop custom product collections for clients using established targets for margin, number and type of items, and variety.
• Support efforts to execute on time, on cost, on spec, and on quality to deliver on the needs of the organization.
• Participate in RFI / RFQ Process including new/current supplier assessment, new product development, productivity opportunities, etc.
• Partner with Commodity Merchandise/Sourcing teammates to deliver packaging needs that meet both business and division objectives.
• Source special one-off items for existing or prospective customers.
• Meet with vendors for new product selection.
• Remain up to date with industry’s best practices.
• Plan and develop merchandising strategies that balance customers’ expectations and company’s objectives.
• Analyze customer reactions, market trends and past offers to anticipate product needs.
• Make recommendations for promotional strategies.
• Review Trello card requests for Corporate Marketplace requests on job board.
• Source specific branded items to meet customer needs based on budget, spec, requirements etc. provided from Sales Team.
• Prepare detailed spreadsheets with product information and formulas to calculate sell price and margins.
• Download hi-res images to be used on proposal.
• Work closely with the graphics department to ensure accuracy of all artwork that is provided and produced.
• Prepare final document with images, item copy, minimum quantities, and sell price to send to Graphics so proposal can be created.
• Proof Proposal as a PPT document once Graphics returns completed proposal and provide revisions as needed.
• Convert Proposal to PDF and send completed proposal to requester.
• Source additional items if needed after Customer reviews the proposal.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or related experience.
• Possess 1-3 years of applicable experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, and or operations or related field.
• ASI (Advertising Specialty Information) Certification a plus.
• Intermediate ability to effectively follow company policies.
• Works well with minimal supervision in a supportive, collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to work both independently and on cross functional teams.
• Plans, organize, and influences the efforts of domestic and global suppliers as well as a variety of internal functional groups within the organization.
• Strong Project Management skills and experience.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate ability to write and read correspondence.
• Intermediate computer skills. Possess advanced proficiency in one or more software programs including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Intermediate ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness.
• Intermediate ability to multi-task with accuracy. Strong attention to detail.
• Intermediate decision making.
• Intermediate organizational skills.
• Ethical conduct.
• Intermediate generating of creative solutions.
• Excellent verbal communication skills. Possess advanced communication skills to effectively communicate with suppliers and company associates.
• Ability to analyze information.
• Professionalism.
• Time management skills. Must have proven time management skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Wide application of principles, theories, and concepts of purchasing, as well as a working knowledge of merchandising and inventory management.

Nice-to-haves

• ASI (Advertising Specialty Information) Certification

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.