Supplier Cost Analyst

Position Purpose

The Supplier Cost Analyst at SRS is tasked with meticulously managing and updating supplier costs within the Agility database to ensure accurate and current pricing for the branches, a critical function that supports the financial health and profitability of the organization. This role requires a professional with a strong analytical background and proven ability in data management and insight, who can skillfully liaise with SRS Sourcing and suppliers and provide strategic guidance on commodity costs to enhance branch profitability. The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional business acumen, uphold the highest ethical standards, and possess excellent communication skills to effectively mentor team members and drive continuous improvement in cost management processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain supplier cost updates in the Agility system, ensuring accuracy and timeliness to support branch pricing activities and corporate profitability goals.
• Lead initiatives to validate and update stagnant costs within the ERP system, enhancing branches' profitability by aligning costs with current supplier prices.
• Monitor and analyze commodity cost fluctuations, providing strategic guidance and insights to the pricing team for informed decision-making.
• Drive process improvements for cost updating procedures, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in maintaining supplier cost records in alignment with organizational standards.
• Collaborate with SRS Sourcing and suppliers as necessary, facilitating effective communication and negotiation to support cost management objectives.
• Manage and update the supplier cost increase calendar, ensuring all relevant stakeholders are informed and prepared for upcoming changes impacting pricing strategies.
• Address basic price requests utilizing core pricing systems, providing timely and accurate responses to support operational needs and client service standards.
• Train and mentor new team members, fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable environment that promotes continuous learning and professional development.

Direct Manager / Direct Reports

• Reports directly to the Pricing Manager. This role operates within the SRS Pricing Team and collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, as well as external suppliers.
• The Supplier Cost Analyst role does not have any direct reports. This position primarily functions as an individual contributor, utilizing analytical expertise to drive cost-related decisions and improvements within the organization.

Travel Requirements

• The Supplier Cost Analyst position at SRS requires periodic travel, approximately once per quarter, to company branches and supplier locations to facilitate supplier cost updates, cost validation efforts, and collaboration with sourcing and pricing teams.

Physical Requirements

• The Supplier Cost Analyst position primarily involves activities typical of an office-based job. Duties are generally performed in a standard office environment, which may include frequent sitting, standing, and computer use for extended periods. Standard physical expectations also involve occasional lifting of items typically weighing up to 10 pounds. The role may require the ability to convey and exchange detailed information through verbal and written communication. The incumbent may periodically be required to move within the office to coordinate with team members and access office equipment.
• SRS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Candidates who may require accommodations are encouraged to communicate their needs during the hiring process.

Working Conditions

• Operates within a dynamic and hybrid work environment, balancing both remote and in-office engagements to effectively manage supplier cost analysis and pricing strategies. The nature of this role requires an individual who can seamlessly integrate into a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting, where strategic decision-making and collaboration with cross-functional teams are essential. The Analyst will thrive in a scenario that demands precise attention to detail and a commitment to enhancing our competitive edge in the market through timely and accurate cost management. This hybrid structure offers both the flexibility of remote work to foster a concentrated focus on analytical tasks, as well as in-office collaboration to facilitate impactful interactions with colleagues and management to drive business outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of substantial experience in the pool or landscape supply industry preferred.
• Proven experience in wholesale or B2B distribution, with large company experience being advantageous.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability and willingness to further develop skills as necessary.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, with specific experience in Agility being beneficial.
• Demonstrated strong data analytics capabilities with a track record of developing analyses to enhance business growth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, exhibiting professionalism and clarity.
• Capability to liaise effectively with diverse teams and external suppliers.
• Proven ability to train and mentor new team members.
• High ethical standards with a commitment to professionalism.
• Service-oriented attitude, customer-focused with a collaborative approach.
• Independent, flexible, with a personable demeanor and technically-savvy.
• Strong business acumen with analytical mindset.
• Ability to lead process improvements and manage multiple tasks with precision and attention to detail.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and ability to adapt within a dynamic business environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in employing advanced analytical tools and methodologies to derive insights and optimize supplier cost strategies. Familiarity with data visualization software and techniques to communicate complex data clearly and effectively is highly desirable.
• Extensive experience with Agility ERP or similar systems is preferred, showcasing the capability to manage and update data efficiently, along with the ability to troubleshoot and streamline ERP-related processes.
• Proven ability to manage and lead projects with multiple stakeholders, demonstrating strong organizational skills and the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• In-depth understanding of financial principles related to pricing strategies and cost management, enabling the candidate to provide actionable recommendations that enhance profitability.
• Strong negotiation skills to effectively liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring optimal cost agreements and favorable terms for the organization.
• Professional certifications or accreditations related to supply chain management, data analysis, or pricing strategies, such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management), are advantageous.
• Familiarity with SQL or other database querying languages to extract and manipulate data, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of cost analyses and reporting.
• Experience in driving and managing change initiatives across departments, particularly relating to process improvements in cost management and pricing strategy deployment.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with sourcing, sales, and finance teams to align on strategic objectives and shared goals, fostering a cohesive and high-performing company culture.
• A proven track record of applying innovative thinking to solve complex cost management challenges and improve overall business performance.
• These additional qualifications will enable a dynamic and forward-thinking Supplier Cost Analyst to thrive within the SRS, contributing to sustainable growth and strategic advantage.

Minimum Education

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required.

Preferred Education

• Master's is degree considered advantageous.

Minimum Years Of Work Experience

• The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience within a corporate environment, specifically within the industry. This experience must include expertise in wholesale and B2B distribution.

Certifications

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) - preferred
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) - preferred
• Microsoft Excel Certification - preferred

Competencies

• Analytical Proficiency: Demonstrates exceptional ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights to enhance profitability and streamline cost management processes.
• Communication Excellence: Exhibits superior verbal and written communication skills necessary for effective liaison with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, ensuring clarity and precision in all interaction.
• Technical Aptitude: Possesses advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP systems, particularly Agility, to accurately manage and update supplier costs and drive process improvements.
• Organizational Mastery: Maintains meticulous attention to detail in managing supplier cost updates and crafting cost increase calendars, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all deliverables.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Engages collaboratively across departments and acts as a leader in driving process improvements and mentoring new team members to align with organizational goals.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of the wholesale and B2B distribution landscape to use financial analysis for fostering business growth and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Service Orientation: Commitment to high ethical standards and a customer-centric approach, providing responsive and reliable support to meet the needs of all stakeholders promptly.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by flexibly adapting to changing priorities and consistently delivering high-quality results under pressure.

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Job Location: SRS Distribution - McKinney

7440 State Highway 121 McKinney, TX 75070-3104

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As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer SRS Distribution Inc., including all its subsidiaries, provides job opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, uniform service, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation in applying for any posted position, please contact Human Resources at US: View phone number on workus.org, or by email to: View email address on workus.org with the nature of your accommodation request and include the Business name, location and title of the job opening. Please allow one (1) business day for a reply. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen, as permitted by law.

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Competitive weekly/bi-weekly pay, discretionary bonuses, 401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, volunteer, holidays, birthday, floating), medical/dental/vision, flexible spending accounts, company-paid life and short-term disability, plus optional long-term disability, and additional life insurance. All benefits subject to eligibility.

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Should a Candidate be submitted to fill a position by a recruiting or staffing services agency (“Agency”), the Company has no obligation to pay the Agency any fee for submission, offer, placement or any service without a fully executed contract of service covering the engagement.