VP Inventory and Category Management

Overview:

The Vice President of Inventory and Category Management serves as a pivotal member of the executive team, responsible for steering the strategic vision and operational excellence of the organization's inventory and category management functions. This executive role will lead a comprehensive reorganization focused on full-cycle Supplier Relationship Management, ensuring the seamless alignment of our inventory strategies with overarching business goals. By fostering robust supplier partnerships and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, this position will drive profitability and elevate Wurth Industries to a best-in-class status within the industry.

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth experience across critical categories including Safety/PPE, Industrial MRO Supplies, OEM Maintenance Fasteners, Metalworking, Production Fasteners, and Hand and Power Tools.

CORE RESPONSIBITLIES include the following and all other duties assigned:

Strategic Leadership: Architect and implement cutting-edge inventory and category management strategies that resonate with the organization's long-term vision. This includes establishing true category ownership, ensuring a single point of contact (POC) for suppliers, and integrating category managers into the decision-making framework.

Team Management and Development: Directly oversee the Director of Category Management and senior management teams, fostering a high-performance culture that emphasizes professional growth and leadership development. Build a strong bench of future leaders within the organization through targeted mentorship and robust career pathways.

Cost Management and Optimization: Identify and capitalize on opportunities for cost reduction and process enhancements, with a keen focus on driving down Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory. Utilize data-driven insights to inform decision-making and support operational efficiency.

Performance Metrics and Accountability: Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for each category team, including metrics for COGS/margin improvement, terms and discounting, supplier rebates, freight savings, inventory turns, and first and second pass fill rates. Ensure alignment of these metrics with the company's strategic objectives.

Supplier Relations and Negotiation: Act as the executive liaison for key suppliers, ensuring direct visibility into acquisition pricing and fostering strategic partnerships that enhance value. Lead high-stakes negotiations to secure favorable terms that align with the organization's financial goals.

Internal Expertise Development: Spearhead initiatives to cultivate internal product knowledge and preserve enterprise expertise. Facilitate training programs that empower team members to deepen their understanding of product offerings and market dynamics.

Continuous Process Improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement within the organization by systematically evaluating and refining supplier and product acquisition processes. Leverage best practices and collaborative efforts to drive efficiency gains and operational excellence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other executive leaders across departments-such as Sales, Marketing, and Operations-to ensure that inventory levels are in sync with sales forecasts and promotional strategies. Drive alignment and collaboration to enhance overall business performance.

Special Projects and Initiatives: Lead and participate in special projects aimed at advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the inventory and category management function. Provide strategic insights and recommendations to the executive team on emerging trends and opportunities.

Compliance and Governance: Ensure that all inventory and category management practices adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements. Advocate for best practices that mitigate risks and enhance the organization's reputation.

Other duties as assigned.

VICE PRESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic oversight to the Directors of Category Management and their teams, fostering an environment that promotes innovation, accountability, and high performance.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among executive peers, enhancing the organization's ability to achieve strategic goals and maintain a competitive advantage.

ASSOCIATE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Uphold and promote the organization's core values, including commitment to teamwork, excellence, and customer service.
• Actively participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities, positioning oneself as a thought leader within the industry.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of success in inventory and category management, ideally in a senior leadership role.
• In-depth experience across key categories, including Safety/PPE, Industrial MRO Supplies, OEM Maintenance Fasteners, Metalworking, Production Fasteners, and Hand and Power Tools.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to drive results in a complex and dynamic business environment.
• Proven leadership and mentoring skills, with a strong focus on team development and succession planning.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective engagement with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in advanced inventory management software and data analysis tools, with the ability to leverage technology to enhance operational performance.
• Ability to navigate and adapt to evolving business landscapes while managing multiple priorities effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or governmental regulations.
• Proficient in writing comprehensive reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.
• Effective presentation skills to communicate complex information clearly and respond to inquiries from diverse groups, including managers, team leaders, and stakeholders.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Competency in performing advanced calculations involving rates, ratios, percentages, and other mathematical concepts relevant to inventory management.

REASONING ABILITY

• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and interpret a variety of instructions across multiple formats.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the associate is continuously (67%-100% of the time) required to sit. The associate is frequently (34%-66% of the time) required to walk. The associate is occasionally (1%-33% of the time) required to stand; climb stairs; kneel; bend/stoop; squat/crouch; push/pull; twist; work in awkward positions; reach above/at/below shoulder; lift and carry less than 10 lbs. up to 50 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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  • The associate works primarily indoors under artificial lighting and in normal temperature conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  
  
  
  

Pay Range: $200,000 - $250,000

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and, in some instances, may include education, skills, work experience and certifications. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive bonus. An incentive bonus, if any, depends on various factors such as organizational performance.

The Wurth Difference:

• Proactive supply chain solutions customized to your business, your industry
• Industrial products and services delivered with prompt, personal attention
• Inventory management solutions that keep your production line moving smoothly
• Complete program support from initial design, to implementation, training, to ongoing analysis

Why Wurth:

• Maternity/Paternal leave after 1 year of service
• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after 1 year of service
• Health benefits and programs - medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• Additional benefits 401(k), short term disability, long term disability
• Paid Time Off, accrued per pay period, additional day earned per year of service
• 10 paid holidays

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR COMPANY CULTURE:

• Linkedln - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-industry-north-america
• Facebook - https://facebook.com/Wurthlndustry
• YouTube - https://youtube.com/c/WurthlndustryNorthAmerica

EEOC STATEMENT:

The Wurth Industry North America group of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status, and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. Wurth will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws.