An EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the electronic exchange of business documents between organizations in a standardized format.
EDI is commonly used in industries such as retail, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare to automate the exchange of data like purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and more.
Key Responsibilities of an EDI Manager:
- EDI System Oversight:
- Manage and maintain EDI software and platforms.
- Ensure reliable and secure data exchange between business partners.
- Manage and maintain EDI software and platforms.
- Partner Onboarding:
- Work with trading partners (e.g., suppliers, retailers) to establish and maintain EDI connections.
- Map data formats to ensure compatibility between different systems.
- Work with trading partners (e.g., suppliers, retailers) to establish and maintain EDI connections.
- Troubleshooting & Support:
- Identify, diagnose, and resolve EDI transmission issues.
- Provide technical support to internal teams and external partners.
- Identify, diagnose, and resolve EDI transmission issues.
- Compliance & Standards:
- Ensure EDI operations comply with industry standards like ANSI X12, EDIFACT, and others.
- Stay current with evolving data standards and protocols.
- Ensure EDI operations comply with industry standards like ANSI X12, EDIFACT, and others.
- Process Improvement:
- Automate manual processes through EDI to improve operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with IT, finance, procurement, and logistics teams to streamline workflows.
- Automate manual processes through EDI to improve operational efficiency.
- Documentation & Reporting:
- Document procedures, workflows, and configurations.
- Generate performance and transaction reports for stakeholders.
- Document procedures, workflows, and configurations.
Skills & Tools Typically Required:
- Technical Skills: EDI mapping tools (e.g., Gentran, Sterling B2B Integrator, Boomi, MuleSoft), XML/JSON, SQL, FTP/SFTP.
- Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the business processes of the sector (e.g., supply chain, retail, healthcare).
- Project Management: Ability to manage EDI projects, from partner onboarding to system upgrades.
- Communication: Collaborating with both technical teams and business stakeholders.
Career Background:
An EDI Manager often has a background in IT, systems integration, or business operations, with several years of experience in EDI systems, data mapping, and working with ERP or supply chain platforms like SAP, Oracle, or Dynamics 365.
Can you create a sample job description for an EDI Manager?
Here’s a sample job description for an EDI Manager role that can be tailored to your organization’s needs:
Job Title: EDI Manager
Location: [City, State]
Department: IT / Supply Chain / Operations
Reports To: Director of IT / CIO / Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced EDI Manager to lead the planning, implementation, and management of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems and processes.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining robust EDI connections with trading partners, ensuring data accuracy, optimizing EDI workflows, and managing internal and external stakeholders for efficient electronic business transactions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage all aspects of the EDI system lifecycle, including design, development, testing, deployment, and support.
- Lead onboarding and integration of new trading partners; configure and maintain EDI maps and translation rules.
- Collaborate with internal teams (IT, Finance, Procurement, Logistics) to ensure data integrity and compliance with business processes.
- Monitor EDI transactions for errors or failures; troubleshoot and resolve EDI-related issues in a timely manner.
- Ensure compliance with EDI standards such as ANSI X12, EDIFACT, and others relevant to industry.
- Provide documentation, reporting, and training related to EDI processes and systems.
- Work closely with ERP system administrators to ensure seamless integration (e.g., with SAP, Oracle, Dynamics 365).
- Maintain relationships with EDI vendors and service providers.
- Lead or support initiatives to modernize or migrate EDI infrastructure as needed.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with EDI systems and protocols.
- Experience with EDI translation and mapping tools (e.g., Sterling Integrator, Boomi, MuleSoft, Gentran, TrueCommerce).
- Strong understanding of common EDI transaction sets (e.g., 810, 850, 856, 997).
- Familiarity with secure file transfer methods (FTP, SFTP, AS2, VANs).
- Solid problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience integrating EDI with ERP platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, or Oracle.
- Project management experience or certifications (PMP, Agile/Scrum knowledge).
- Experience working in industries like retail, manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance bonus.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan with employer matching.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Ongoing training and professional development.