BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY:

The Category Operations Specialist, Cost Management COE (Center of Excellence) is responsible for execution and continuous improvement of cost-related processes. The Specialist will ensure data is consistent and accurate, provide timely responses to information or service requests, and execute processes and programs. The Specialist will work within the Operations COE team and cross-functionally with internal customers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follows the cost management process that begins with a cost change notification from a supplier, while maintaining a continual improvement mindset.

• Follow processes to estimate impact on the business, work with the supplier to confirm the change and address any anomalies, share and receive approval from Category Strategy and enter changes into the system. Some level of negotiations may be needed.

o Interprets and provides analytical details of cost change to support business decisions

o Uses internal reporting to conduct regular meetings with Category Strategy to review open tasks

• Manages costing errors while identifying themes and reducing the number of discrepancies. Performs due diligence to understand root causes of errors on PO or invoices from a supplier, updates information appropriately and resolves supplier disputes regarding cost.

o Works cross-functionally with Supply Chain, suppliers, Accounts Payable, sales associates and Category Strategy to resolve issues and inform on resolutions

• Assist with training new associates in cost management processes whether within Category Operations or Category Strategy.

• Analyze cost / sell price relationships related to cost maintenance and work with Strategic Pricing to update sell prices.

• Identifies improvement opportunities along with proposed solutions for key processes.

• Performs consistent and accurate data input and assessment.

• Fosters the MSC Culture in the department and throughout the company to ensure fulfillment of MSC's vision and unity of purpose.

• Participation in special projects and performs additional duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

What You Need:

• Bachelors' Degree required

• Two to four years of experience in supply chain, distribution, or finance/analytics required.

• MS Office Suite proficiency required; MS Excel Intermediate skill level or above required.

• Knowledge of Business acumen, key financial metrics and basic business concepts

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time effectively

• Highly organized and works with a sense of urgency

• Agile learner who can think on their feet and be flexible

• Attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to quickly learn new systems and processes

• Self-starter able to work autonomously

• Customer service focused

• Proactive thinker with strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Ability to collaborate and work cross-functionally with different teams and personalities

• Able to build sustainable relationships of trust through open and interactive communication

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Degree area of study in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or equivalent area of study preferred.

• AS400 and SharePoint experience preferred.