Note this is AI generated, may not be detailed to The EMC Shop's needs and requirements
The Vendor Relations Manager at The EMC Shop is responsible for building and nurturing strong relationships with our network of premier manufacturers and suppliers of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test equipment. This role is vital for ensuring a seamless supply chain to support our customers' urgent rental, sales, and calibration needs. The successful candidate will leverage their deep technical knowledge of EMC equipment and standards to collaborate effectively with engineering, logistics, and sales teams, ensuring we maintain our reputation as the largest stocking distributor of EMC test equipment in North America.
Key responsibilities
- Supplier management: Serve as the primary point of contact for key EMC equipment vendors, such as Amplifier Research and EM TEST, as well as suppliers of high-demand items like EMI receivers, RF power amplifiers, and ESD guns.
- Negotiation: Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs) with manufacturers to secure favorable terms that support our competitive rental and sales business models.
- Vendor performance: Monitor and report on vendor performance, evaluating metrics such as delivery time, product quality, and cost-effectiveness to ensure we meet our promise of immediate delivery for our customers.
- Inventory optimization: Collaborate with procurement and inventory management to forecast equipment needs and manage stock levels, particularly for our in-demand rental fleet.
- Technical liaison: Work with our internal technical experts and engineers to define equipment requirements, troubleshoot vendor issues, and stay ahead of changes in EMC testing standards like IEC, MIL-STD, and RTCA/DO-160.
- Market intelligence: Continuously research new manufacturers, emerging technologies (e.g., in automotive, aerospace, or medical devices), and market trends to enhance our product offerings.
- Customer support collaboration: Coordinate with sales and support teams to resolve escalated vendor issues related to product delivery, repair, or calibration services.
- Process improvement: Develop and implement processes to streamline vendor communication, onboarding, and performance management.
Qualifications and skills
- Experience: Proven track record in vendor management, procurement, or technical sales within the electronics or test equipment industry.
- Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of EMC, RF, and electrical transient testing equipment. Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC 61000-4-x, MIL-STD-461) is essential.
- Negotiation expertise: Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
- Analytical skills: Ability to analyze market data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to make strategic recommendations.
- Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex technical and commercial information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Customer focus: A solid understanding of the customer's perspective, appreciating the urgency of project timelines and the importance of next-day delivery options.