Implementation Solutions Lead

Position Summary:

Vallen's Implementation Solutions Lead is an individual contributor responsible for leading the end-to-end implementations of vending, vendor managed inventory (VMI), and other technology solutions. This role owns the complete technology implementation lifecycle, including project planning, customer engagement, solution configuration, data management, installation leadership, training, go-live support, and transition to operations.

The Solutions Lead serves as the primary subject matter expert for technology implementations, working closely with customers, Project Managers, Flexible Procurement Solutions (FPS), site leadership, and internal stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes. This role requires technical knowledge, project ownership, problem-solving ability, and leadership in managing multiple concurrent implementations while continuously improving implementation processes and standards.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Owns the vending and technology implementation lifecycle from project initiation through post-go-live support.
• Manages implementation activities across multiple concurrent projects and is accountable for meeting project timelines and deliverables.
• Maintains and updates detailed implementation project plans in Smartsheet, including task sequencing, dependencies, durations, and milestone management.
• Leads implementation planning meetings and serves as the primary implementation resource for project-related technology activities.
• Provides implementation status updates during internal and customer project meetings.
• Leads configuration planning and execution for vending and technology solutions, including configuration templates, plan-o-grams, machine layouts, item mapping, and solution optimization.
• Develops and manages implementation data files including employee uploads, department, cost center, and user defined fields structures, and master item data.
• Creates and validates customer-facing machine interfaces through management of product images, descriptions, and user enhancements.
• Performs advanced system administration and data maintenance activities within Cribmaster and related technology platforms.
• Leads onsite implementation and installation activities, including planning resources, assigning responsibilities, validating equipment readiness, and coaching other implementation team members.
• Oversees machine setup, testing, inventory loading, labeling, user validation, and operational readiness activities.
• Ensures all implementation documentation, training materials, and support resources are completed and provided to stakeholders.
• Provides onsite and remote post-go-live support to ensure successful user adoption and operational transition.
• Coordinates reporting configurations, customer requirements, and ongoing support activities.
• Monitors implementation outcomes and proactively addresses opportunities for improvement.
• Identifies, develops, and implements process improvements that increase implementation efficiency, improve customer experience, reduce rework, and support organizational scalability.
• Develops tools, templates, automation opportunities, job aids, and best practices to improve implementation consistency and performance.
• Participates in the physical inventory activities at customer facilities by organizing stock, affixing bar code labels (if required) and counting inventory.
• Participates in post physical inventory processes by helping to reconcile variances with the customer's file.
• Provides go-live and transition support to site operations by conducting follow up training and site process review.
• Provides a level of excellent communication.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and at least 1-3 years applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job. Applicable experience should include:

• Working for a distributor of MRO products in sales, operations, purchasing
• Working in a manufacturing/production environment, preferably in the storeroom or tool crib
• Working in a purchasing/inventory management position in an industrial environment replenishing stock materials
• Working in industrial distribution or supply chain with vending, technology solutions, or related fields

Other relevant experience should include:

• Project Management knowledge; experience using Smartsheet preferred
• 6 Sigma Yellow or Green Belt Training
• Demonstrated knowledge of ISO Standards
• Demonstrated knowledge of QS9000 Quality Standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, formulas, and spreadsheet management
• Working knowledge of Cribmaster administration and configuration preferred
• General knowledge of SAS, databases, Word, Power Point, and MS Project
• Ability to be a self starter and to self manage
• Solid organizational skills and strong customer service orientation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.):

• May have travel requirements with limited advance notice.
• Occasionally requires long and varied hours.
• Work environment may not be temperature controlled; must have the ability to work in extreme hot or cold environments.
• Must have the ability to work in dusty conditions.
• May be required to handle hazardous materials and wear various forms of protective equipment (shoes, gloves, protective eyewear, etc.)
• Must be able to handle and work physical inventory; required to lift up to 25 lbs or greater with assistance following standard operating and safety procedures. Other physical requirements including, regularly being required to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, climb and balance.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus are required.
• Must be able to follow detailed process.
• Must be able to Travel by Plane.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations.