Senior Merchandiser

1. PROVIDE THE BEST SOURCING FEEDBACK to CUSTOMER REQUESTS
1.1. Customer Requests Understanding:
Make sure that the request is 100% understood and that all information needed is available to launch the sourcing in the good direction.
Perfectly clear analysis of customer request (deadline, target price, quantity, quality)
1.2. Use all available tools to select suppliers:
SOA Supplier Database;
Suppliers' and exhibition catalog;
Dedicated websites: alibaba, globalmarket, google...
Other networks: friends, managers, network of existing suppliers...
1.3. Contact the suppliers:
Evaluate permanently if the suppliers you have chosen is the right and best ones.
Decide how to contact them so that it is easier for them to answer.
Take necessary actions (calls, meetings, mails, etc.) to ensure the timely delivery of quality results.
1.4. Feedback analysis & expertise:
Analyze and assess all suppliers' feedback.
Always be able to challenge and negotiate with them.
Prepare and use only the proper SoA Quotation Form.
Be responsible and guarantee the accuracy of the feedback.
Make a final synthesis with expertise (should cover all critical information: price, quantity, delivery terms, incoterm, sample if any, etc) before sending.
2. ORDER FOLLOW-UP, QUALITY CONTROL & DELIVERY
2.1. Monitor supplier contracts/POs:
Ensure that all product specifications and sales conditions are clear and accepted by the supplier.
Make sure that the supplier respects contract conditions (delivers the right product at the right time for the right price - be careful with import/export procedures & incoterms).
Prepare and use only the proper SOA Purchase Order Form, SOA Specification Chart Form.
Manage supplier payment (deposit, balance).
2.2. Production follow-up:
Define regular milestones and follow them (sample validation, production launching, inspection, etc.).
Always be able to evaluate the progress of the order (production planning)
Keep a regular & accurate communication with both supplier & customer.
2.3. Implement quality control with suppliers:
Plan & make QC (inline/ final inspection) at the supplier.
Within a project, make sure that suppliers are "inspected" at different milestones to make sure that expected quality and delivery date are respected.
Ask for product or production process pictures, reports.
Prepare and use only proper SOA Inspection Form.
Anticipate any issue which could happen during production.
2.4. Delivery:
Make sure the delivery date is respected; apply penalties to the supplier in case of delay.
Ensure packaging has been controlled.
Provide all necessary documents to the SOA Logistics Officer (packing list, loading plan, etc.).
Always be aware of the shipment situation.
3. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT - Develop the SOA suppliers' network
3.1. Be Proactive With Customer:
Grow SOA turnover by being proactive with customers to increase your activity with them
Product databases and catalogs from suppliers are very useful to find new clients. Therefore, in your relationship with suppliers, update regularly the catalogue and products from them to your customer accounts
Select products when you visit new or current suppliers, and inform your customer accounts about them.
3.2. Knowledge and Understanding of Suppliers:
Maintain good and strong relationships with suppliers. Good and regular communication with them is key.
Understand their constraints and anticipate their potential issues: know what you can expect from them or not (while always challenging to make things possible)
Be able to assess quickly and accurately if the process will be smooth or if problems are to be expected.
3.3. Increase Supplier Contacts/Client Contracts:
The database should be updated weekly with new contacts assessed and registered. Permanently identify, evaluate, qualify, and register some new suppliers in the SOA database.
The SOA supplier database is a basic and key tool for your department. A strict follow-up and management of the tool must be enforced. Global number and new suppliers registration will be assessed
Make sure the qualitative information regarding suppliers is not overlooked.
3.4. Supplier Database Management:
The database should be updated weekly with new contacts assessed and registered. Permanently identify, evaluate, qualify, and register some new suppliers in the SOA database.
SOA's supplier database is a basic and key tool for your department. A strict follow-up and management of the tool must be enforced. Global number and new supplier registration will be assessed
Make sure the qualitative information regarding suppliers is not overlooked