Purchasing Agent - Summit Electric Supply

Summit Electric Supply is an electrical distributor keeping current with innovative changes in the way our world is powered. With over 40 years of continuous growth in a $110 billion industry, you can count on Summit's stability. Summit will provide the tools you need, along with your commitment to customer service and drive to excel, to have a successful career in electrical supply distribution. 

Description:

The demand planner will be an essential business partner to the Regional Vice President and have total accountability of the Inventory performance of that region in support of continued growth in every vertical market that Summit serves. The demand planner’s role will involve strategic planning and research to provide best value to Summit while replenishing and sourcing material in a manner that maximizes inventory performance (Days of Inventory on Hand, Inventory Turns and GMROI) with a goal of keeping Summit’s overall inventory performing at or above best in class NAED levels. The demand planner will have to communicate clearly across multiple departments, locations, and suppliers. The Demand Planner will obtain and set costs for commodities on a weekly basis by market via streamlined communication with leadership at each branch and region in their respective markets. The Demand Planner will work with the sales teams on large opportunities to negotiate scheduled releases of material in support of providing just in time inventory that meet Summits customer’s expectations.

Role Summary:

The Demand Planner will work with the sales team to identify sales opportunities to help facilitate the procurement of those items in a way that is mutually acceptable or beneficial to the sales teams and to the company. Armed with industry product knowledge, strong negotiating skills, and the support services he or she needs.

• Thoroughly understand how supply chain delays of product will impact Summit’s customer relationship
• Comprehensive understanding of how Summits strategic manufacturers rebates affect profitability 
• Travel to Summit locations within assigned region, as needed.
• The ability to learn and help develop the demand planning module within Summit’s inventory replenishment software (GAINS) and complete GAINS related training.

• Maintain and adjust various GAINS inputs (Lead Time, Min ROPs via SIMS, etc.) as appropriate to achieve accurate forecasts in support of streamlined inventory replenishment.

• Provide timely and accurate commodity load spreadsheets to the costing services team.
• Collaborate with service center leadership to help determine what the cost on commodities should be weekly and assist as needed in negotiating competitive commodity pricing by market.
• Collaborate with service center employees to proactively follow up on customer material orders to address challenges and needs.
• Resolve customer concerns and encourage customer loyalty to Summit as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Prior SAP experience or knowledge preferred to assist in pulling essential inventory information and performing research.
• Demand Planners has authority to make inventory decisions that will benefit the company.
• Demand planners work closely with the Operations teams to process any RGA’s negotiated and address slow moving inventory.
• Demand planners work closely with service center on appropriately redirecting inventory via store- to-store transfer to reduce stock outs and maximize inventory performance.
• Knowledge of MRP types and item categories in SAP.
• Ability to professionally provide feedback to Service Center Leaders and RVP, acting as a business partner, to clearly understand their needs while acting in the best interest of the company.

Essential Skills:

• Strong, proven sales and negotiating skills

• Thorough knowledge of electrical products and their applications

• Strong customer service orientation

• Time management – ability to organize and manage multiple priorities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written

• Versatility – ability to effectively adapt to change

• Microsoft Excel- Intermediate to expert level

• Microsoft Outlook- Intermediate to expert level

Beneficial Skills:

• Counter sales or customer service experience within the electrical distribution industry

• Capacity to perform duties with minimal supervision and seek clarity where needed

Physical Challenges:

• Ability to travel to customer sites and other locations

•    Consistent sitting for hours at a time

• Consistent use of keyboard and mouse
• Ability to climb stairs on occasion

• Ability to lift 50+ lbs. on a regular and consistent basis

• Ability to operate standard warehouse equipment
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time

Not sure yet if this is the right position for you? Contact a recruiter for more information about the position and how you can jump start your career in a dynamic, growing industry today!

Be a part of the Summit Electric family with room to grow and excel!

Not sure if this position is right for you? Click here to submit your information to our recruiting team.  

Summit is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in all stages of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. We assess candidates based on skill, experience, and alignment with Summit’s mission and vision, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, age and veteran or disability status.