Job Description

The Buying Group Manager is responsible for leading and growing strategic relationships with key buying groups, cooperatives, and their distributor members within the PPE and safety products industry. This role drives revenue growth, market share expansion, and brand positioning by aligning company programs with the needs of buying group partners and their end customers.

As the primary liaison between the organization and assigned buying groups, the Buying Group Manager ensures effective execution of pricing strategies, rebate programs, product initiatives, and marketing efforts. This role works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, and Operations to deliver best-in-class service, strengthen channel partnerships, and support profitable growth.

Key Job Duties

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with buying group leadership and key distributor members to drive growth within the PPE and safety channel.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for buying group partners, ensuring strong communication, alignment, and issue resolution.
• Negotiate and manage buying group agreements, including pricing, rebate programs, and contract terms to support profitable growth.
• Partner with Sales teams to increase member engagement, expand product penetration, and grow share of wallet across PPE categories.
• Develop and execute targeted programs, promotions, and product initiatives aligned with market trends and customer needs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Product Management, and Operations to ensure successful program execution and product availability.
• Analyze sales performance, program effectiveness, and market trends to identify opportunities and provide actionable insights.
• Lead regular business reviews with buying group partners to assess performance, align on objectives, and drive continuous improvement.
• Represent the company at buying group meetings, trade shows, and industry events while identifying new partnership or expansion opportunities.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of the PPE industry, safety products, and industrial/distribution channels
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with buying groups and distributor partners
• Demonstrated commercial acumen, which includes rebate management
• Strategic mindset with the ability to identify growth opportunities and drive market share expansion
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to influence Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams
• Analytical capability to interpret sales data, trends, and program performance to inform decision-making
• Effective project and program management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Customer-focused approach with a commitment to delivering high levels of service and responsiveness
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both internal leadership and external partners