Commodities Project Specialist

Van Meter Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Pet insurance

Company paid life and disability

Paid time off including holidays

401(k) with company match

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Job summary

Van Meter Inc. is seeking a Commodities Project Specialist to coordinate large contractor projects from start to finish, manage data and pricing for commodity lines, and serve as liaison between customers, the wire center and vendors.

The role requires strong communication, problem solving, and project management skills; industry experience on mission-critical projects is preferred. The position collaborates with supplier partners to improve data information, implement pricing updates, and

Qualifications

• College degree preferred.
• Previous project management (or similar function) experience required.
• Demonstrated customer service experience preferred.
• Electrical industry knowledge and experience preferred.
• Microsoft Office Excel and Word skills are essential.
• Knowledge of Eclipse preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills via phone, email and in person are required.

Responsibilities

• Service the strategic contractor customer by providing projects oversight and communication
• Manage communication both internally and externally
• Responsible for oversight of project to include purchasing from vendors, resolving customer problems, ensuring delivery of order, etc.
• Support the management of data and pricing for commodity lines
• Work with supplier partners to improve data information, current process and streamline future product launches
• Work with Commodity Manager to implement pricing updates
• Collaborates with the Wire Center to ensure schedules are maintained and deadlines are met
• Update customers with project schedules, job details and orders
• Work closely with Commodities Manager and Commodities Purchaser to maintain inventory levels and maximize purchasing discounts
• Provide customers with accurate progress updates and product delivery information
• Implement and improve tools to support commodity business and growth
• Implement efficient ways to manage pricing and inventory within multiple markets
• Support new market growth
• Build and maintain customer and vendor/supplier relationships
• Provide data for new and existing customers for database entry
• Maintain reporting tools to keep the commodity team and vendors aligned on project business
• Work closely with Outside Sales Representatives to keep account activities up to date
• Manage multi-million dollar projects
• Collaborate with Wire Centers to ensure all project needs are met

Skills

Customer Focused

Problem solving

Negotiation

Detail oriented

Communication

Troubleshooting

Continuous improvement

Self-motivated

Multi-tasking

Analysis and follow-up

Work ethic

Education

College degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Eclipse

Job description

Summary:

The Commodities Project Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting our purpose to create lasting value for those we serve as a key interface and essential resource for our customers. The position is responsible for the coordination and oversight of large projects for the contractor segments from the beginning through the completion of the project. This role also manages data and pricing strategies for commodity lines. The successful candidate serves as the liaison between our customers, our wire center and our vendors to ensure all details of the project are closely monitored. They deliver excellent customer service to promote and support our products. Industry experience on mission-critical projects is preferred. This individual's behavior promotes our culture, our 5 P's and our purpose to create lasting value for those we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Service the strategic contractor customer by providing projects oversight and communication
• Manage communication both internally and externally
• Responsible for oversight of project to include purchasing from vendors, resolving customer problems, ensuring delivery of order, etc.
• Support the management of data and pricing for commodity lines
• Work with supplier partners to improve data information, current process and streamline future product launches
• Work with Commodity Manager to implement pricing updates
• Collaborates with the Wire Center to ensure schedules are maintained and deadlines are met
• Update customers with project schedules, job details and orders
• Work closely with Commodities Manager and Commodities Purchaser to maintain inventory levels and maximize purchasing discounts
• Provide customers with accurate progress updates and product delivery information
• Implement and improve tools to support commodity business and growth
• Implement efficient ways to manage pricing and inventory within multiple markets
• Support new market growth
• Build and maintain customer and vendor/supplier relationships
• Provide data for new and existing customers for database entry
• Maintain reporting tools to keep the commodity team and vendors aligned on project business
• Work closely with Outside Sales Representatives to keep account activities up to date
• Manage multi-million dollar projects
• Collaborate with Wire Centers to ensure all project needs are met

Requirements

Critical Success Factors:

• Customer Focused
• Ability to decipher the immediacy of problems and determine effective resolution for the issue
• Ability to negotiate effectively at a high level and build strong relationships with customers, vendors and suppliers
• Detailed-Oriented
• Ability to deliver a message and receive feedback from customers
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Drive for continuous improvement
• Self motivated
• Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple priorities with strict deadlines
• Ability to analyze, identify & then follow up to resolve discrepancies
• Strong work ethic with a positive attitude

Job Requirements/Specifications:

• College degree preferred
• Previous project management (or similar function) experience required
• Demonstrated customer service experience preferred
• Electrical industry knowledge and experience preferred
• Microsoft Office Excel and Word skills are essential
• Knowledge of Eclipse preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills via phone, email and in person are required

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Consistently sitting, working with hands & fingers, talking, hearing, vision acuity- near, works with others, customer contact, works indoors
• Frequently vision acuity- far, depth perception, field of vision
• Sometimes standing, walking, reaching, vision adjustment, color vision, driving
• Occasionally lifting, carrying, bending at the waist, twisting upper body, climbing, balancing, kneeling crouching, crawling, works alone, cold, heat, temperature changes, wet, humid, noise, vibration, confined area, high places, works outdoors, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, explosive materials, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Several factors are considered in making compensation decisions at Van Meter; including but not limited to education, skill sets, work experience and training, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation may be below the lower end of the range when the minimum requirements of the role are not met and the higher end is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role.

Van Meter offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, company paid life and disability insurance, paid time off including holidays, 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.