Product Strategy & Supplier Partnerships

Vaco is actively seeking a Director of Product Strategy & Supplier Partnerships for direct-hire employment with our client in Memphis. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a rapidly growing organization that is a trusted leader in their field. Position Summary This role requires a strategic and commercially driven leader to oversee product portfolio strategy, supplier partnerships, and category growth initiatives across a broad range of technically focused products and solutions. Responsibilities include shaping future product and service direction by identifying emerging technologies, expanding key supplier relationships, optimizing product categories, and driving profitable growth initiatives. The position will lead a team responsible for product lifecycle management, pricing strategy, portfolio expansion, and global market positioning. Core Responsibilities Product & Portfolio Leadership Develop and execute long‑term product and category strategies aligned with organizational growth objectives. Evaluate market trends, competitive offerings, customer demand, and emerging technologies to identify new business opportunities. Drive portfolio expansion initiatives, including new supplier onboarding, category enhancement, and differentiated product offerings. Lead initiatives related to new product introductions, commercialization planning, and go‑to‑market execution. Assess portfolio performance through margin analysis, pricing strategy, inventory optimization, and lifecycle management. Supplier & Commercial Strategy Build and strengthen strategic supplier and manufacturing partnerships. Lead commercial negotiations involving pricing programs, rebates, supply agreements, exclusivity opportunities, and growth incentives. Identify opportunities to improve profitability, streamline sourcing strategies, and enhance market competitiveness. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support revenue growth and operational scalability. Cross Functional Leadership Partner closely with Sales, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain leadership to align product initiatives with company objectives. Support sales enablement efforts through training, product positioning, technical insights, and competitive differentiation. Drive organizational alignment around product strategy and category priorities. Present recommendations, business cases, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership. Team Leadership & Operational Excellence Lead and mentor a team responsible for category management, product analysis, and portfolio execution. Foster a culture centered around accountability, collaboration, innovation, and data‑driven decision making. Improve processes related to product governance, supplier management, and commercialization activities. Guide the organization through scalable product management best practices and operational modernization initiatives. Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in product management, category management, supplier management, strategic sourcing, or related commercial leadership roles. Build and manage strategic supplier and partner relationships to support portfolio growth, strengthen market positioning, and improve commercial performance through effective product development, enhancement, negotiations, collaboration, and delivery. Prior experience within industrial distribution, automation, hardware, controls, building / construction, HVAC, electrical, manufacturing, technical products, or related industries strongly preferred. Strong understanding of pricing strategy, supplier negotiations, margin management, and product lifecycle management. Proven ability to influence across departments and lead cross‑functional initiatives. Experience leading teams and managing organizational change in a rapidly evolving enterprise environment. Strong analytical, communication, and strategic planning capabilities. Additional Details Engagement: Direct-Hire Start Date: Immediate Location: Memphis, TN (Collierville, TN) Target Total Compensation Potential: $175k - $250k, based on skills & experiences Cadence: Hybrid Relocation: Assistance available #J-18808-Ljbffr