Strategic Supplier Partnerships Director

Covetrus is a global animal-health technology and services company dedicated to empowering veterinary practice partners to drive improved health and financial outcomes. We are bringing together products, services, and technology into a single platform that connects our customers to the solutions and insights they need to work best. Our passion for the well-being of animals and those who care for them drives us to advance in the world of veterinary medicine.

SUMMARY
The Strategic Supplier Partnerships Director is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that drive profitability, optimize supplier relationships, and align with organizational goals. The Director cultivates strong partnerships with suppliers, negotiates contracts and rebates, and ensures seamless supply chain operations. As a strategic leader, this position oversees supplier performance, resolves escalations, and leverages data-driven insights to identify opportunities for growth and operational efficiency, while managing and mentoring a high-performing team to achieve business objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the full contract lifecycle; from drafting and negotiation through execution, governance, and record-keeping, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and alignment with partner objectives. Track KPIs, conduct audits, and proactively manage renewals and amendments to optimize value and reduce risk. Resolve disputes and discrepancies efficiently in collaboration with Legal and cross-functional stakeholders. Regularly assess contract performance to ensure obligations are met and risks are mitigated.

• Cultivate strong partnerships by building trust and rapport with stakeholders at all levels, understanding their goals and challenges to tailor solutions. Provide proactive support through regular touchpoints, addressing urgent needs and resolving issues efficiently. Collaborate strategically by offering market insights, tracking initiative effectiveness, and driving mutual growth through continuous improvement and constructive feedback.

• Develop and execute the overarching sourcing strategy, aligning it with organizational goals and category management priorities to maximize profitability and operational efficiency.

• Coordinate with internal teams to gather specifications, pricing, and marketing collateral, ensuring seamless product setup in inventory systems and on digital platforms.

• Mentor team members by assigning work, monitoring performance, providing constructive feedback, and fostering talent development opportunities to maximize individual and team effectiveness.

• Inspire and drive a culture of collaboration and innovation within the team, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives and fostering a shared commitment to success.

• Partner with Category Management to analyze market trends, develop category-specific strategies, and provide data-driven insights to support assortment planning, pricing, and promotional execution.

• Regularly analyze sales, distribution, and rebate data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, preparing detailed reports for internal stakeholders.

• Provide actionable insights cross-functionally to support assortment planning, pricing strategies, and promotional planning.

• Collaborate with procurement and inventory teams to optimize supply chain management, monitor inventory levels, and align forecasting with market demand. Address issues related to stock availability, order discrepancies, and delayed shipments.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for supplier-related issues, escalating critical matters and ensuring timely resolution.

• Monitor rebate structures, track performance metrics, and ensure alignment with partners on rebate goals. Provide accurate reporting to internal stakeholders and troubleshoot rebate discrepancies.

• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure they are well-informed about new and existing products by providing partner-supplied resources and facilitating regular check-ins to address their needs and challenges.

• Work with the marketing team to develop and execute enterprise-wide media packages that enhance product visibility across digital and traditional channels. Coordinate co-branded content, such as ads and educational campaigns, while ensuring alignment with business objectives and partner strategies. Monitor performance and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

• Oversee the end-to-end launch process by coordinating with internal teams to gather product details, communicate timelines to distribution partners, and ensure accurate setup in inventory systems. Track launch progress, address logistical challenges, and conduct post-launch analysis to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

REQUIREMENTS

• 8+ years professional experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement or supply chain

• Strong negotiating skills

• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills (multiple complex analyses simultaneously)

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)

• Passion for creating value

• Strong communication skills, not intimidated in presenting to executives on quarterly basis the Category Results, Savings etc.

COMPETENCIES (Skills and Abilities)

• Demonstrates accountability and gets the job done; accomplishes goals; dedicated to delivering quality work on time

• Proven experience with Excel and working with databases

• Demonstrated experience delivering actionable insight

• Have a passion for sourcing, interpreting, and visualizing data

• Communicates appropriately and effectively; listens attentively; utilizes appropriate mode of communication (written or verbal); stays open to others’ viewpoints; shares information and ideas; communicates with respect

• Independently identify and set priorities in rapidly changing and ambiguous environment

• Learn new technologies, processes, and tools

• Ability to work with large data sets

• Experience in business, manufacturer, and customer analytics

• Experience conveying key insights from complex analysis in summarized business terms

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills including the ability to use market and data research

We offer the following benefits for you to take advantage of while you are here provided you meet the eligibility requirements under each governing program:

• 401k savings & company match

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• Maternity leave

• Parental leave

• Military leave

• Other leaves of absence

• Health, dental, and vision benefits

• Health savings accounts

• Flexible spending accounts

• Life & disability benefits​

• Identity theft protection

• Pet insurance

• Certain positions may include eligibility for a short-term incentive plan

Salary may vary depending on factors such as confirmed job-related skills, experience, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each case. Sales Positions are eligible for a Variable Incentive.

The pay range for this position is as follows:

Covetrus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.