Distribution Support Manager

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Job Summary: The Distribution Support Manager provides high-level business support to foster positive relationships with distributor partners for Schönox HPS North America, LLC (the “Company” or “HPS”). This position serves as a primary point of contact for distributors, addressing any concerns, providing support, and ensuring their needs are met. This role acts as a liaison between HPS Management and various teams within the Company including Sales Operations, Marketing, Technical, and others in coordinating special projects for sales and distribution. The duties of this position include a myriad of professional skills that are complex in nature, requiring considerable discretion in handling confidential information and sensitive matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:                                                                                                  

• Focuses on the overall improvement of distributor relationships creating a deeper sense of satisfaction and confidence between all parties;
• builds and maintains active relationships with distribution partners and all branch locations across North America;
• provides training and support to distributors to ensure they understand the Company's products, pricing, promotions, and sales strategies;
• interacts frequently with the HPS Regional Vice Presidents concerning the health and well-being of all existing distributor partnerships;
• develops a proactive approach and system to optimize inventory management at distributor locations;
• evaluates the effectiveness of distribution plans including tracking sales trends, identifying opportunities for growth, and making recommendations for improvement;
• formalizes best practices to strengthen the relationships between sales representatives and their distributors;
• collaborates with the HPS Florence Support Center teams to implement programs, promotions, processes, etc., that will provide better support to our distributor partners and in turn, will produce increased returns and enhanced outcomes for HPS;
• works directly with the HPS Marketing Team to enhance marketing efforts within each region and distribution branch location, e.g., displays, events, marketing dollars, competitor campaigns, etc.;
• ensures that distributors comply with contractual agreements and assist with negotiating contracts, updating terms, and resolving any contractual disputes that may arise;
• assesses the urgency and importance of situations through appropriate business acumen and takes initiative to solve problems and provide information while ensuring quality service is provided to all;
• maintains confidentiality and honors the integrity of personal and proprietary business information;
• performs other job-related and personal duties as requested.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Effective organization and time management skills are necessary to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines. Distribution Support Managers often juggle various projects and responsibilities simultaneously, so strong organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent communication skills are crucial for effectively interacting with distributors, internal teams, and other stakeholders. This includes the ability to communicate clearly and professionally through various channels, such as email, phone, and in-person meetings.
• Possesses the ability to establish an understanding of collaborating and working in partnership with others to accomplish the Company’s goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to address and troubleshoot issues, resolve conflicts, find creative solutions, and make quick decisions to ensure smooth operations.
• Displays an exceptional work ethic fostering responsibility, professionalism, urgency, timeliness, commitment, excellence, and overall dedication to the position and the Company.
• Practices flexibility with the capacity to change direction and serve in more than one role as needed, willing to learn new technologies, processes, and industry developments to stay competitive and effectively support the Company's distribution network.
• Builds and maintains relationships, develops rapport, uses tact, gives and receives constructive criticism, and is tolerant and respectful regarding the opinions of others.

Education/Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, management, or a related field is required. Previous experience in distribution, sales, customer service, or supply chain management is highly preferred.  A strong understanding of the industry, market trends, and distribution channels is highly valued. Candidates should be familiar with distribution strategies, inventory management principles, and sales processes.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) is required. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software and data analysis tools may also be beneficial.

Physical Demands:      

The physical requirements of this position involve light work where the worker sits most of the time. Physical demands include occasional climbing, stooping, and standing; frequent reaching, walking, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motion; continuous talking, hearing, fingering/handling, and close visual acuity. During exhibitions (trade shows, conventions, conferences, etc.), frequent pushing, pulling, and kneeling may also be required. 

Work Location/Environmental Condition:

This position is based at the Florence Support Center in Florence, Alabama. The conditions are that of typical office work and the worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Occasional overnight travel to distribution locations, trade shows, special events, etc., is required.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.