Commodities Program Lead

Commodities Program Lead

Reports to: VP of Channel Sales and Marketing

Supervises: N/A

Summary Statement: The Commodities Program Lead is responsible for supporting revenue growth and operational excellence across IFB Solutions' core commodity product lines. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for IFB's commodity goods, leading product development, lifecycle planning, and distributor engagement strategies with a particular focus on compliance with AbilityOne and North Carolina State Use requirements. The position ensures cross-functional coordination across operations, supply chain, customer service, and marketing, and plays a central role in maintaining content assets, specifications, and program compliance.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead sales efforts for commodity products by developing and executing growth strategies across AbilityOne distributors, BSCs, and state/local government partners.
• Monitor and maintain "Essentially the Same" (ETS) documentation and lead timely updates in collaboration with NIB.
• Coordinate annual price increase process for commodities, ensuring timely submissions and compliance with NIB and State Use requirements.
• Develop and maintain distributor relationships, including onboarding new partners and increasing product visibility within existing channels.
• Support sales growth by engaging directly with other AbilityOne agencies operating BSC stores and ecommerce platforms.
• Serve as the primary contact for product specifications, SDS sheets, ETS compliance, packaging design, and content asset management (printed and digital catalogs).
• Collaborate with IFB Supply Chain to maintain strong vendor relationships, identify alternative suppliers when needed, and negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
• Design and implement promotional campaigns and product-specific marketing programs in partnership with IFB's marketing team, tailored for ecommerce and BSC environments.
• Manage communication with NIB regarding backorders, inventory status, and product transitions.
• Maintain and manage IFB's North Carolina State Use Contract, including pricing updates, reporting, and customer engagement.
• Lead new product development initiatives and align launches with AbilityOne requirements, coordinating with National Industries for the Blind (NIB) to secure Procurement List additions.

Marginal Job Functions

• Assist other personnel as time and knowledge permit.
• Participate in training and meetings as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Must have strong product and program management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and timelines.
• Must have proven ability to build relationships with procurement offices, customer service representatives, and distributor partners or similar.
• Knowledge of the AbilityOne program, including Procurement List processes, ETS compliance, and distributor engagement is preferred.
• Direct sales experience in B2B, CPG, or government distribution channels is preferred.
• Must have a working knowledge of marketing principles and ecommerce strategy.
• Must have strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and basic CRM tools.

• Must have a passion for IFB's mission and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
• This is an office-based role with occasional travel required (up to 20%).
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

Education and Work Experience

• A two or four year degree in business, marketing, supply chain, or related field is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in product management, B2B sales, distribution, or nonprofit procurement is required. AbilityOne or State Use experience is preferred.
• Experience managing distributor relationships, marketing programs, or packaging/ assembly operations is a plus.

ISO 5.3 Organizational Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities

IFB employees have the responsibility and authority to ensure to produce first-quality products that meet customer requirements.

EEO Statement

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. IFB Solutions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, and disability or genetics.