International Market Director

At the heart of Sonepar lies a deep-rooted belief anchored in family values. While we operate on a global scale, we remain a family-owned business, cherishing the bond, commitment, and legacy that comes from shared lineage. We believe that the power of connection extends beyond business interactions – it's about creating a sustainable legacy for future generations and ensuring that our impact on the planet is both meaningful and positive. 

Our purpose isn't merely to distribute electrical products but to create a world where businesses and communities are empowered through seamless access to vital resources. We envision a future where every business, regardless of its size or location, has equal opportunities to innovate, thrive, and make a positive impact. 

Through our vast network spanning over 40 countries, we bring together industry expertise, cutting-edge digital transformation, and a commitment to sustainability. Our digital journey isn't just about adopting new technologies; it's about setting new industry benchmarks and redefining customer experiences

• Account Management for Sonepar Global Strategic Suppliers (Vendors Relations):
  • Oversee a certain number of international vendors called Global Strategic Suppliers (GSS) and work as an account manager:
    • Suppliers’ relationship management:
      • Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with the GSS;
      • Align supplier strategy from top management to local execution and manage product portfolios.

• Commercial / Contract Management:
  • Commercialize SIS services to suppliers within their scope, ensure satisfaction, and identify opportunities for commercial collaboration.
  • Align roadmaps on strategic transformation topics (omnichannel, sustainability, supply chain, etc.).
  • Integrate additional suppliers from their sector to do business with SIS.
  • Manage global contracts (terms and framework agreements) - negotiate contracts, sell, and deliver services.
• Define global action plans, organize business reviews, set up and deploy specific service deliveries throughout Sonepar countries to ensure a positive business trend with partners and coordinate international promotional campaigns or commercial actions.
  • Maximize year-end remuneration within their scope/GSS.
• Stakeholder Management: act as the central point of contact, managing day-to-day and multi-point relationships between suppliers and Sonepar operating companies (strategy and execution).
• Responsible for organizing and preparing content (information gathering, presentations, reports...) of international top management executive meetings between Sonepar & its partners/suppliers.
• Support and/or coordinate “taskforce” projects related to Suppliers’ management at local level including local target settings, year-end closing processes, etc
• Participate in all key meetings (worldwide if needed) with vendors.
• Responsible for identifying potential new partners.
• Support Sonepar in its transformation by supporting the Omnichannel & Supply Chain Collaboration initiatives and any other committees such as ISC (International Suppliers committee), IIC (International Industry committee), etc.
• Support and work closely with the group’s sustainability offer linked to suppliers. (Products Carbon footprint, circularity and how we ship and pack.)
• Within the building scope work closely with the local vendor managers / product category managers to understand and to support direction of supplier offers.

• Other Assignments:
  • May also be mandated to oversee specific transversal international Sonepar Group projects. Examples of such projects include organizing special events, launching new group-wide initiatives, or initiating other specific international analyses/actions.
  • Ensure that SIS continues to develop a deep understanding of the electrical supplies market and actively remains current with industry standards, trends, and competitive intelligence on vendor management best practices

What success looks like

• Objectives
  • Long-term growth in his/her scope (GSS) on Global NN Sell-in & Sell-Out
  • Group profitability gains achieved through contract negotiations
  • Subscription rate to SIS services of his/her supplier(s)
  • NPS of his/her supplier(s)
  • SIS Remuneration rate with suppliers
  • SIS EBIT with suppliers
  • Cash flow performance
  • GSS Ratio on Product Category
  • Reduction in long-tail suppliers

• KPIS
  • Supplier satisfaction score (NPS)
  • Supplier retention rate
  • SIS revenue growth and gross margin level with his/her suppliers
  • Sonepar revenue and EBIT growth with his/her suppliers
  • Number of strategic initiatives launched with his/her suppliers
  • Resolution time for escalated issues, cost savings achieved through contract negotiations
  • Free Cash flow by vendor (GSS)
  • Digital online growth with GSS
  • Global & Local Supply Chain performance with GSS

• Negotiation, Purchasing and Contract management: Demonstrated strong negotiation skills with a proven track record in global contracting terms. Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Conflict Resolution: Proficient in effective problem-solving and conflict resolution. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage multi-point relationships and communicate effectively across different teams, cultures and levels within the organization (Global Strategic Supplier CEO’s, COO’s, Managing Directors, other Key accounts, other functional leaders, etc)
• Commercial: Strong commercial acumen to identify and capitalize on business opportunities
• Sourcing and Category Expertise as a “plus”: In-depth expertise in specific product categories (e.g., Power Distribution,  Building Automation, Lighting, Cables) with knowledge of market dynamics, supplier connections, and the ability to conduct market watch and explore new trends.
• Knowledge of:
  • electrical wholesale or products manufacturing sector is a “must”.
  • Building management, Datacom or Renewable segment is a “plus”
• University degree.
• Availability for frequent short international trips
• Work/located in Geneva
• Languages required/ level
  • English: Fluent (Written & Spoken)

It’s a plus if speak another language considering the SIS global environment

Benefits that await you:

The role - Your daily activities will be interesting, stimulating and varied... No two days are alike!

The organisation - You'll be part of the Sonepar family and share the same values!

The culture - You'll be working in an international environment.

The team - Our dynamic, multidisciplinary, open-minded and talented team is eager to welcome additional skills to continue to meet the challenge.

• Reimbursement of your monthly or annual transport pass.
• Lunch card (CHF 180,- / month)
• Reimbursement Private Health insurance (Lamal) up to CHF 5000,- per year

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description. Don't hold back because you feel you don't tick every box. At Sonepar, we value your skills, your passion and if your career journey has had remarkable twists and turns, it only adds to your unique story. We ensure we create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued for their uniqueness. Regardless of physical abilities, office requirements, gender, sexual orientation, academic backgrounds or other diversity dimensions, every position at Sonepar is open to individuals who share our core values and engagements. We aim to ensure our job listings resonate with everyone and truly represent the diversity we embrace and we are proud to have the GEEIS Label (Gender Equality for European & International Standard).

You are interested in this challenge? Then join and build a better future with us!

More information on Sonepar:

Website : www.sonepar.com

Twitter: @sonepar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonepar/

Sonepar | B2B distribution of electrical products

Sonepar is an independent family-owned company with global market leadership in B-to-B distribution of electrical products, solutions and related services.