HSMAI Foundation Career Center

The Director of Strategic Partnerships is a role that has a multi-faceted approach and focus. You will be required to consistently engage with Leader's TOP Preferred Supplier partners to maximize margins, rebates and vendor supplied resources. 

Job Responsibilities

• Vendor Rebates, Contracts and Benefits to Leader (make sure all are on file and up to date). Maintain a spreadsheet of monthly sales vs rebate targets.
• Direct the sales team to use preferred partners.
• Coordinate on going vendor presentations while knowing the correct cadence for good participation. 
• Educate and motivate sales team about the importance and value of preferred relationships, and the expectations as to how to treat our vendors with respect.
• Increase participation in vendor presentations both virtually and in person.
• Stay on top of all trends, products, and industry knowledge. This also includes current "state of the industry" changes in compliance, pricing, and any market changes.
• ALWAYS promote sustainable products.
• Create unique marketing programs with vendors and know their current program benefits and creative resources.
• Keep a master vendor benefit sheet for spot buy orders and a master vendor benefits sheet for program business (online stores).
• Create a master calendar of featured product specials or product trends by month that coincides with Marketing's eblast cadence of 2-3 per month.
• Keep track of monthly spend, rebate qualification, and new promotions by vendor, and understand why Leader partners with them.
• Develop web and webstore product specific promotions/specials in tandem with the marketing team, sales team, and program managers.
• Create a Vendor Marketing Subsidy.
• Be the main point of contact for all vendor issues and resolution.
• Manage the preferred vendor list within Leader's intranet and on CommonSku.
• Be a resource for Leader's sales teams to learn about current vendors' new product offerings, trending merchandise, decoration techniques, and choosing the right vendor.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in business development, sales, or partnerships.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively in order to identify new business opportunities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to uphold and demonstrate the highest level of integrity.
• Strong work ethic, accountability, and team mentality.
• Ability to sell persuasively and be comfortable in a selling role interfacing with the customer.