GENERAL SUMMARY:
Responsible for managing all aspects of category/ commodity of the supplier relationship including compliance with our delivery, terms, quality, inventory goals and policies; and finalizing and communicating specifications for products and services required, qualifying suppliers, soliciting competitive proposals, negotiating price, terms, quality and service. Selecting suppliers for assigned categories/commodities. Interfaces with various departments to provide a high level of support and service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Interfaces with various departments on projects/programs including Creative, Product Management, Fulfillment, Manufacturing, Legal, Risk Management. Help establish specifications for products and services and support requirements, within assigned category/commodity, services.
• Prepare and negotiate RFP’s.
• Sources new suppliers for key categories/commodities, evaluating and analyzing their capabilities to fulfill American Greetings needs for products and services. Providing innovation, competitive pricing, and quality.
• Ensure ongoing supplier development, to improve supply chain performance.
• Responsible for resolving quality issues with suppliers on products/services received.
• Identifies, evaluates and implements cost reduction strategies within the supply chain process.
• Responsible for drafting service and supply agreements. Reviews these agreements with Legal and management.
• Responsible for training, instructing and supervising.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with business objectives.
• Conduct market research and analyze industry trends to identify cost savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with business needs and priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Prepare and present procurement reports and analytics to senior management.
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.