What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager, Heritage Imports position at Heritage Distribution?
POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY
The General Manager, Heritage Imports, oversees the sourcing, development, and performance of Heritage Distribution Holdings’ private label and imported product lines. The role focuses on managing suppliers, ensuring product quality and compliance, supporting inventory planning, and monitoring financial performance to ensure private label initiatives drive revenue growth, margin expansion, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage within the distribution network.
KEY TASKS / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manages the day-to-day operations of the private label and import product portfolio, including sourcing, product development, quality, compliance, and lifecycle management.
- Aligns the Heritage Imports program with business unit objectives and sets/accomplishes individual performance goals.
- Provides input, data, and recommendations related to private label strategy, product performance, and supplier decisions.
- Identifies new product opportunities based on customer needs, market trends, and supplier capabilities.
- Sources and selects vendors; negotiates pricing, product specs, lead times, and quality standards.
- Ensures products meet regulatory, labeling, safety, packaging, and quality requirements.
- Coordinates product launches and commercialization activities in partnership with Sales and Operations leadership.
- Monitors product financials and operational performance, including sales, margins, and inventory levels; recommends adjustments as needed.
- Drives cost and margin improvement through negotiation, supply chain efficiencies, SKU rationalization, and supplier performance management.
- Works with procurement and operations teams on forecasting, inventory planning, and replenishment.
- Manages allocation and distribution of private label inventory across regions, markets, and branches to support availability and reduce stock issues.
- Maintains a structured product development and sourcing pipeline; oversees project timelines to ensure effective execution.
- Communicates risks, delays, opportunities, and status updates to leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Participates in or leads cross-functional efforts related to private label and import initiatives.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
- Strong sourcing, vendor management, and product development expertise
- Financial acumen (pricing, cost modeling, margin management)
- Analytical skills in forecasting, demand planning, and product performance measurement
- Negotiation skills and experience working with domestic and international suppliers
- Project management, prioritization, and multitasking abilities
- Strong communication and collaborative leadership skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems, PIM tools, and analytics platforms
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Certifications: Product management, sourcing, or supply chain certifications are a plus.
Education Requirements: BS/BA in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Logistics or related field preferred; MS/MA/MBA a plus.
Years of Experience: 4-7 years of experience in private label management, supply chain, sourcing, or product management within a distribution environment preferred.