VMI Project Manager

Opportunity: VMI /Tool Vending Crib Project manager

Creston industrial Sales is a distributor of quality cutting tools & products and technical services to metal working manufacturers in Michigan. Creston is searching for a project manager to serve on its tool management vending team to oversee the installation and maintenance of its tool vending management systems at customer locations. The ideal individual will have strong computer and problem‑solving skills with a willingness to learn and implement the vending process and interact with customers directly.

Responsibilities are performed in the office and at local customer sites.

FLSA Status: Salary Exempt Hours: Full time Travel: Daytime travel in West Michigan

Department: Tool Management Reports To: VP of Sales Benefits: Eligible as fulltime

Oversees the successful implementation, management, and strategic development and growth of the Company’s tool management & vending processes, customer accounts, and programs. Provides guidance and technical support to Creston team members involved in servicing tool managed accounts. Makes sure all customer projects are completed on time and successfully meets customer expectations.

• Assists in the development of strategies, service, and relationship-building of tool management accounts.
• Works with other team members responsible for implementation, service, and modifications.
• Ensures that efficiencies are implemented to reduce program implementation timelines.
• Monitors and manages accounts to control inventory and ensure adequate margins and profitability.
• Provides direction and support for Crib Crawls to establish program effectiveness.
• Ensures adequate inventory, equipment counts, and tool availability meets customer usage and history.
• Problem‑solves with department and other team members on effective use of tools, inventory, and reports.
• Ensures customer accounts and service agreements for tool management programs are fulfilled.
• Assists in the creation and review of the program review documents.
• Ensures team members are fulfilling customer orders, delivery, and service needs.
• Works with team members to prevent and reduce waste, dead inventory, and returns.
• Provides direction to team members on giving proper quotes.
• Maintains a professional, friendly atmosphere and relationship with customers.
• Assists and coordinates tool management programs with outside sales personnel.
• Oversees the ultimate use of the VMI system, TM program parts, and tool usage.
• Research and introduce technical changes, upgrades, and new innovations.
• Works with outside sales team to provide customers with understanding of tool capabilities.

• High school education or equivalent…additional technical or trade school experience helpful.
• Proficient computer hardware and software skills with the ability to oversee and manage TM software.
• Proficient computer skills:
  • Strong knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office products
  • Ability to perform basic hardware / software problem solving
  • Ability to work with computers and provide strong understanding of technology
• Experience and strong knowledge of INFOR SX Software helpful.
• Capable of data analysis, problem-identification and problem‑solving.
• Willing to perform moderate travel (minimal overnights).
• Strong problem‑solving skills and experience streamlining systems and creating efficiencies.
• Strong customer service practices and business practices.
• Knowledge of tooling, customer needs, and vending practices & systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented, well organized, and good time management skills.
• Excellent work ethic with the ability to accomplish tasks with little supervision.
• Ability to develop working relationships with our staff and customer base.
• Experience overseeing and managing physical inventories.
• Willing to work overtime and flexible hours to serve customers before or after regular business hours.
• Willing/capable of spending an entire day or several days in a row standing or sitting.
• Willing/capable of working in manufacturing environments in customer settings, dirty areas, tight spaces.