Category Manager

Overview

The purpose of this position is to manage a specific product category sold across multiple commercial, institutional and industrial markets. The position works as part of a cross-functional group and leads the development of strategy, business planning, and product/program definition. The position is responsible for selecting appropriate suppliers and managing the relationship and performance to ensure our products are aligned with what our customers are demanding. There is a high degree of collaboration across internal functional groups as well as sales, customers and suppliers.

Responsibilities Include:

• Using market assessments, channel development, collaborate with Marketing and sales resources, to develop and implement and manage a business plan to position products, systems and service offerings by market segments that align with what our customers are demanding. Develop and organize support materials for sales force.
• Through supplier selection, management and negotiation manage the cost/margin for a specific product category. Accountable to category sales volume and net margin performance. Sets pricing direction for sales.
• Lead all aspects of supplier relationship management including business reviews, performance, manufacturer rep utilization/effectiveness, etc.
• Develop, implement, and manage a supplier scorecard that drives the metrics (margin, inventory turns, etc.) to ensure our suppliers are meeting our performance requirements. Collaborating with sales and marketing, develop management reporting tools that outline the performance and status of each product and/or supplier.
• Lead training and expertise across internal team on Category, products, industry trends, market dynamics, etc.
• Performance management and development supporting team within Cost, Support, Purchasing, Customer Service, etc.

The ideal candidate will have:

• College Degree required, Masters in related area a plus.
• 7-10 years of specific product line knowledge including (market, commercial distribution, suppliers).
• 5-7 years of negotiations, vendor management, with existing relationships in the specific product line.
• 3-5 years of managing a private brand assortment.
• 2-5 years in marketing or experience with developing product marketing plans.
• 3-7 years of project and people management including budget management and people development.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications especially Excel with the ability to leverage databases.
• Superior verbal communication skills, proficient in written communication.
• Strong in analytical skills; superior business judgment and decision making competencies.