Job Description
Job DescriptionCompany Overview
CEEUS, Inc. is an established and successful wholesale distributor experiencing dynamic growth. Our role in the supply chain is to coordinate the flow of materials and equipment from manufacturers to the electric power companies who serve underserved communities.
Our operations are in West Columbia, SC and Glen Allen, VA, allowing us to conveniently serve our member-owners, the electric cooperatives, as well as municipal and investor-owned utilities. We proudly offer next-day delivery to our members via our fleet of trucks or common carrier. To best serve our customers, CEEUS offers tool repair services, lineman PPE testing, as well as emerging technologies such as broadband fiber optics and electric vehicle charging equipment.
We supply the needs of those who power our world.
JOB DESCRIPTIONSupplier Relations Representative IIORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Department | Sales & Supplier Relations
Reports To | Supervisor of Supplier Relations
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Supplier Relations Rep II is to foster strong and efficient relationships between CEEUS and our suppliers. They manage communication, negotiate contracts, monitor performance, resolve issues, and seek continuous improvement in the supply chain. Their role is crucial in ensuring that costs are optimized, and quality standards are maintained. They are the bridge that ensures a productive and mutually beneficial partnership with suppliers.
NATURE AND SCOPE
This role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to ensure effective communication and collaboration. The scope of the job includes supplier selection, performance evaluation, risk management, cost optimization, and stakeholder collaboration, all aimed at ensuring an efficient, cost-effective, and resilient supply chain.
Qualities
The Supplier Relations Representative II candidate we are looking for will have:
• Strong Communication Skills: They need to clearly and effectively communicate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Negotiation Skills: Being adept at negotiating favorable terms and conditions.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Quickly addressing and resolving issues that arise in the supply chain.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluating supplier performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring all contracts and agreements are thorough and accurate.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and able to quickly adjust to changes in the supply chain.
• Relationship-Building: Fostering strong and positive relationships with suppliers.
• Organizational Skills: Managing multiple suppliers, categories, and tasks efficiently.
Job Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and agents
• Contract negotiation and administration for specific categories of responsibility.
• Negotiate terms and conditions, pricing, performance expectations, as well as identify and qualify sources of supply
• Manage suppliers’ performance including the support, development, and monitoring of supplier performance metrics.
• Negotiate expected supplier performance metrics. Develop and administer corrective action plans for improvement opportunities and performance failures.
• Provide market feedback to sales and inventory management with regards to changes in the marketplace
• Manage supplier pricing by managing and analyzing new quotes and RFQ process
• Develop and maintain professional knowledge regarding the market drivers, market trends, economic forecasts, supplier base, and competitive intelligence for assigned material categories
• Continually identify cost savings opportunities through reviews and analysis
• Use data sources to develop regular and ad hoc reports to include opportunity gap, sales tracking, pricing studies, financial performance, etc.
Working Location and Conditions
Normal office and warehouse environment, one location
Standard working hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday with 1 hour for lunch
Subject to be on call as required and work additional hours during peak periods
May require travel up to 25% of the working days per year
Essential Job FunctionsPhysical Activity and Mobility
• Ability to move between office and warehouse settings efficiently, occasionally standing or walking for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment, tools, or product samples weighing up to 50lbs. on an as-needed basis.
• Must have the ability to climb, stoop, keel, or bend in a warehouse or manufacturing setting.
Communication and Coordination
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, including the ability to lead discussions, write operational documentation, and provide guidance to various teams as necessary.
• Must be able to read and interpret general office documents.
Vision and Information Processing
• Must have the ability to see and interpret details such as product labels and data on screens or other materials, with or without corrective lenses.
• Must be able to interpret and analyze complex data from multiple sources and apply logical reasoning to make informed decisions.
Leadership and Decision-Making
• Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously, manage time effectively, and take direction under high-pressure conditions.
• Requires the cognitive ability to evaluate operational challenges and communicate that to management.
Travel and Environment Adaptability
• Must be able to travel as needed (e.g., to conferences, vendor sites, or company facilities) by car, plane, or other modes of transportation.
• Must be adaptable to varying environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, noise, and other factors typical of an office environment.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
• Must be able to maintain a safe work environment by adhering to all relevant safety regulations (e.g., OSHA).
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCERequired Qualifications
Education Level
Bachelor’s Degree
Education Details
Supply Chain and Logistics, Business Administration, or related field
Work Experience
5+ years distribution and/or utility industry
Work Skills
Must be tactful, possess excellent interpersonal skills, have the ability to accommodate and engage diverse personalities, and be capable of conveying a positive and professional image while strengthening relationships with internal and external customers.
Must have critical thinking skills.
Must display effective written and oral communication skills for meetings with vendors, customers, management or employees; be able to read and comprehend material.
Must be proficient in MS Excel.
Must have the ability to manage multiple projects at one time.
Experience supporting cross-functional teams that include technical and non-technical aptitudes
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree
10+ years in the utility industry