Emily Kate Kelley

About Emily Kate Kelley

Senior Program Leader with 19+ years at Essendant, bringing a strategic, results-driven approach to vendor management, merchandising operations, and enterprise program execution. I currently serve as Program Lead for Vendor Drop Ship (VDS), where I oversee the program end-to-end, ensuring a seamless, compliant, and scalable experience for suppliers while partnering closely with Merchandising to drive performance and growth.In this role, I lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives spanning Merchandising, Operations, Technology, Supply Chain, Pricing, Content, Creative, Sales, and external suppliers. My focus is on program governance, process optimization, and continuous improvement, building a structure where complexity exists and turning operational challenges into repeatable, sustainable solutions.My leadership scope includes:• End-to-end ownership of the VDS program, including onboarding, compliance, and supplier performance• Driving operational efficiency through process redesign, automation, and clear documentation• Partnering cross-functionally to align strategy, execution, and supplier engagement• Leading change management efforts that support adoption across Sales, Customer Care, and MerchandisingBefore leading VDS, I held progressive roles across merchandising, customer engagement, and project management. This breadth of experience gives me a deep, practical understanding of how decisions impact the full business, from supplier strategy and category performance to fulfillment, training, and customer experience.I’m recognized for my ability to bring clarity, accountability, and momentum to complex initiatives, and for building trusted partnerships across teams and leadership levels. My work has been recognized with the CEO Award and eight Bravo Awards.I’m passionate about building programs that work in practice, not just in theory, and that deliver measurable value for suppliers, customers, and the organization. I welcome opportunities to connect, exchange best practices, and continue contributing to the evolution and success of Essendant’s vendor programs.

Experience

1. Program Analyst

   Essendant

   Nov 2024 — Present

   As the Program Lead for Vendor Drop Ship (VDS) at Essendant, I manage and oversee the program to ensure a seamless experience for our suppliers and internal teams. I work closely with our merchandising team to streamline onboarding processes, enhance supplier relationships, and drive operational efficiency.My role involves:Managing the end-to-end VDS program, ensuring a smooth and effective supplier onboarding process.Collaborating with merchandising, operations, and technology teams to enhance program performance.Supporting suppliers with onboarding, compliance, and best practices to drive mutual success.Identifying opportunities for process improvement and program growth.With my background in merchandising, business development, and customer relations, I bring a strategic and solutions-oriented approach to vendor partnerships and operational execution.