POSITION SUMMARY:
Vallen’s Category Analyst is an individual contributor position that supports the sales strategy for the exclusive brands product line. Product categories may include but are not limited to safety, MRO, and metal working. Category Analyst are subject matter experts and are sought out by the company’s sales and marketing teams to enhance Vallen’s business opportunities and assist in achieving profitable sales objectives. They can support the new category growth of Exclusive Brand to ensure a full pipeline of new offerings. They also can analyze current category positions and make suggestions as needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in products conversion to exclusive brands through providing technical support, data sheets, samples, pricing and more.
- Drive new product introductions through analyzing current spend, evaluating suppliers, completing market analysis, product testing and helping to develop marketing materials
- Develop and maintain a cross reference for company wide use including new bid opportunities.
- Builds sustainable relationships and trust with internal customers, provides information about accounts, products, and services.
- Assist Product Management with the development of profitable product strategies; develop strategic business plans that support approved product strategies.
- Seek out opportunities to propose solutions and improvements related to product offering
- Continuously analyze and review industry trends and client feedback to anticipate future market needs for assigned product(s) of expertise
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal support groups (e.g., marketing, business development, proposal, and quotation teams, etc.).
- Assist in the identification and documentation of customer cost savings.
- Understand and own processes that live in Smartsheet.
- Assist with forecasting and buying decisions as needed.
- Analyze special pricing to support field request.
- Understand inventory position needed for new product launches.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field, e.g., Industrial Distribution, Marketing, Business, etc. coupled with 1+ years relevant work experience. Relevant work experience includes:
- Demonstration of general product category knowledge.
- Demonstration of sales, financial and business acumen.
- Demonstration of ability to analyze data points.
- Success in sales, marketing, customer service, and/or pricing roles.
- Specific vendor and/or product training, certifications and/or special recognitions may be required.
- Proficient use with various Microsoft Office products. MS-Word, MS-Excel, and MS-PPT .
- Must be a self-starter, work independently with little supervision, and have demonstrated effective time management, project planning, goal setting, organizational and execution skills.
- Be able to provide excellent customer service and demonstrate strong problem resolution abilities.
ABOUT VALLEN
Vallen is an industry leader in delivering flexible supply chain solutions and services along with a comprehensive range of maintenance, repair, operating, production, safety, and electrical products to meet the growing supply needs of customers in facilities across North America and around the world. Vallen is headquartered in Belmont, NC and is a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, part of the global Sonepar family.
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
401K Plan, Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision), Paid Vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Personal, Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care), Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, and a definitive career path.
EOE M/F/DISABILITY/VETERAN
Required Skills
Required Experience