Samples Manager

ABC Worldwide Stone; Hicksville (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ABC Stone is seeking an experienced Samples Manager to lead material planning and supplier relationships across three locations, including NYC, BK, and HV. You will ensure timely procurement of samples, manage inventory, and optimize costs using ERP/MRP systems.

The role requires at least two years in material planning or related fields, with preference for Natural Stone experience. Expect regular travel and strong leadership to drive efficient operations and sample program success.

Qualifications

• Two years of related experience required.
• Natural Stone or Construction Industry experience preferred.
• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and computer.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement material planning strategies.
• Monitor and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Ensure adequate stock levels and timely sample processing.
• Source, negotiate with and manage supplier relationships.
• Oversee all three locations and travel weekly as needed.

Skills

Driver license

Natural stone knowledge

Inventory management

ERP/MRP knowledge

Leadership

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Labeling software

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Over the course of our 34-year history, ABC Stone has had the honor of forging relationships with the world’s premier architects, designers, and visionaries. We pride ourselves on being an essential resource and trusted partner to our clients. We understand that no two projects are ever the same, which is why our service is tailored to the exact needs of our clients.

At this exciting time in our company, ABC stone has an opportunity for an experienced Samples Manager to join our growing team.

Job Summary:

This role involves crafting effective material planning strategies, nurturing supplier relationships, and resolving material-related issues. You will leverage our ERP/MRP systems to ensure that our inventory/production demands are consistently met.

The ideal candidate will have a background in overseeing sample materials, ensuring their availability for product development and production while also managing the broader material flow and supplier relationships to meet inventory/production demands while maintaining cost efficiency.

This role involves ensuring the continuous flow of necessary materials by analyzing demand, forecasting sample needs, sourcing and procuring materials, managing inventory levels, negotiating & coordinating with suppliers, and collaborating with internal departments to guarantee materials are on hand in the right quantity, quality, and time.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Directs operational oversight to ensure smooth, efficient & compliant operations of the department
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement material planning strategies and processes
• Monitor and maintain accurate records of inventory
• Ensure adequate stock levels
• Manage the prompt processing (cutting) and distribution of new material samples across all locations
• Implement JIT (Just-in-Time) strategies to reduce waste and cost
• Source, negotiate with and manage relationships with suppliers (ensure timely and cost effective delivery of materials (oversees samples)
• Collaboration with internal and external partners
  • Work in partnership with Sales, Receiving, Quality Control (Inventory Control), Logistics & Procurement
• Identify Process Improvement opportunities to ensure optimization of inventory, reduce waste, cut cost and improve the overall efficiency of the samples department and material planning processes.
• Utilize ERP/MRP to track & manage sample needs.
• Oversee all 3 locations
  • Travel to all 3 locations
    • 1x week physically in NYC
    • 2x week physically in BK
    • 2x week physically in Hv
  • NYC – Check inventory levels, make sure sample room is replenished
  • Collaborate with Showroom TL
  • Fulfill sample request timely
  • 4*4 & 6*12 on display in NYC at Workstations (upstairs)
  • Place and remove new or existing samples in bins, in the libraries (workstation wall & sample room)
  • Hicksville
  • Brooklyn
    • Ship samples to Brooklyn from HV
• Coordination from HV, BK & NYC
  • Samples HV to BK
  • Samples Bk to NYC
• Check displays in to ensure updated with current products – all locations
• Works in tandem with Inventory Control Specialist to allocate slabs for samples
• Own the inventory needs file
• Coordinate exterior stone samples with factories (order from factories)
• Coordination with Procurement to ensure that oversees purchases include samples
• Assist the VP of Sales and the Sales Team with Library updates
• Organize sample pick-ups from clients – sample returns
• Responsible for maintaining Trade Show sample kits
• Collaborate with VP of Sales on organization of sample kit and curated collections for distribution to clients
• Coordinating with Marketing and Sales for sample delivery and collection for CEU, Brand Presentation, Trade Shows, product demonstrations and other Events
• Work cohesively with the out of state sales team to ensure they always have updated samples, trade show kits & marketing material (brochures, live inventory cards & ABC Bags) for presentations
• Ensure samples are pristine and a good representation of the brand
• Manage and maintain sample Inventory Levels in each location using tool
• Labels neat and orderly – on sample and box
• Responsible for ensuring that samples are of good quality & represent the material well
• Overtime as needed, due to needs of the business may at times be mandatory
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have clean drivers license
• Must have knowledge of Natural Stone (characteristics & Quality)
• Proficient with maintaining adequate sample Inventory Levels in multiple locations using inventory tool
• Must be a participatory Leader (hands-on)
• Experience with labeling software
• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems (Stone Profit a plus)
• Experience in supply chain management
• Requires prior Material Planning experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent sales and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Excellent collaborative abilities with team members and stakeholders
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent. (Bachelor’s preferred)

At least two years related experience required.

Natural Stone or Construction Industry experience preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regularly required to stand, use hands and reach with hands and arms
• Required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, reach above shoulder level, fine finger dexterity
• May be required sometimes to sit, climb or balance
• Lift and or move up to 80 pounds regularly
• Required vision abilities: peripheral, and ability to adjust focus
• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles and wide range of temperatures
• At times exposed to loud noise levels

Salary - $100,000.00

Base salary negotiable based on experience and demonstrated expertise.

Please Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

The company is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.