GCG Automation & Factory Solutions is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vendor Strategy Manager to drive our vendor management strategy, category management initiatives, and project execution. This role is critical to ensuring that we optimize our vendor relationships, secure the best pricing and terms, and successfully manage cross-functional projects that impact our procurement operations. You will play a key role in transforming our supply chain strategy by streamlining vendor performance and overseeing category management.

This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and operational expertise to ensure that the Automation and Factory Solutions business leverages vendor partnerships for maximum value while keeping category management aligned with broader business growth and corporate objectives.

While this role offers a remote work arrangement, we are seeking candidates in one of the following areas to allow for ease of travel to our locations as well as suppliers:

• Dayton, OH
• Milwaukee, WI
• St Louis, MO
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Cleveland, OH
• Detroit, MI

Travel expectations for this role would be approximately 25%.

What You’ll Do

Vendor Relationship Management:

• Develop and implement strategic vendor strategies to ensure optimal performance, value, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as the primary liaison between vendors and internal teams, ensuring alignment with business goals and vendor performance expectations
• Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with terms, service level agreements (SLAs), and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Category Management:

• Lead category management strategies, including vendor selection, contract negotiations, and cost-saving initiatives
• Oversee sourcing strategies and manage spend categories to align with organizational goals, focusing on achieving savings and quality improvements
• Work with the Finance Team to manage and coordinate rebates and annual Supplier incentives.
• Instrumental in designing and developing visual dashboards detailing out Supplier performances.

Project Management:

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to manage category-specific sourcing projects from inception to implementation, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met
• Use project management techniques to streamline processes, drive vendor innovation, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

 What you’ll bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or advanced certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus
• Electrical or Mechanical experience or training is a plus
• 5+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or category management, with a focus on driving strategy and delivering cost-saving projects
• Proven project management experience with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong negotiation, financial analysis, and contract management skills
• Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with procurement software, vendor management tools, and ERP systems

What we offer 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• PTO and paid holidays
• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility
• Professional development opportunities and support for industry certifications
• Collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and growth

About GCG

At GCG, our mission is to power, connect, and automate our world.  With the responsive DNA of a startup and the size of a global leader, we offer top brands and extensive value-added services that make us an invaluable partner to our customers in multiple industry verticals across the globe.  We are committed to meeting the needs of our customers, while focusing attention on our responsibility to the environment, our associates and the communities we serve.

GCG is an equal opportunity employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

These duties and responsibilities listed above are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Furthermore, the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.

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