(BOTH Establishing & Executing): Vendor Engagement and Onboarding Identify and approach potential vendors, conveying Love's values and reasons for collaboration. Develop and maintain relationships with existing vendors to enhance collaboration. Ensure thorough onboarding processes for new vendors.
Contract Negotiations and Program Management Negotiate annual programs, focusing on payment terms, shipping terms, and defective policies. Reconcile and execute negotiated programs efficiently. Anticipate and negotiate future terms to enhance vendor relationships and Love's competitiveness. Collaborate on marketing programs, including MDF, coop, and future initiatives like VIRs and product-specific
cost improvements. Data Management and Analysis Manage data entry, ensuring accuracy before generating purchase orders and finalizing pricing/programs. Collaborate with Category Management to establish effective communication with Love's Direct Vendors.
Collect and analyze data to inform strategic decisions and maximize rapport with vendors. Collaboration and Strategy Implementation Work closely with internal and external departments to ensure seamless collaboration. Implement strategies to maximize rapport, ensuring effective and positive vendor relationships. Continuously seek opportunities for improvement in vendor interactions and purchasing processes. Handle other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: HS Diploma or equivalent required Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
Experience: 1+ years of experience in project management, vendor management, or merchandising is Required 3+ years of experience in project management, vendor management, or merchandising is preferred. Experience as a retail buyer is a plus. SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Skills: Hard Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, knowledge of other software such as SAP applications or product lifecycle management is advantageous. Soft Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, multitasking ability, strong organizational skills, flexibility, and good relationship skills.
Ability to work with various levels of management, and self-motivated to take on additional tasks. Typical Physical Demands: Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping. Occasional lifting, up to 25 pounds. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be available to travel when needed (traveling by car and plane about 10% of the time). Job Function(s): Corporate Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is the industry-leading travel stop network in the United States.
For more than 55 years, we’ve provided customers with highway hospitality and “Clean Places, Friendly Faces. ” We’re passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities stocked with fuel, food and supplies. We offer meals from popular restaurant chains, trucking supplies, showers and everything needed to get back on the road quickly. The Love’s Family of Companies includes: Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets Speedco, the light mechanical and trucking service specialists Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert
