TEAM MEMBER WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK ONSITE FOUR DAYS A WEEK AT OUR RALEIGH, HQ.

Job Summary: 

We are seeking a strategic, data-driven, and collaborative Category Manager to lead the development and execution of category strategies that drive business growth, optimize supplier relationships, and enhance customer satisfaction. This role requires a strong foundation in category lifecycle management, financial acumen, supplier negotiation, and cross-functional leadership. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Category Management 

• Assess category lifecycle stages and align strategies accordingly. 

• Identify categories requiring resource reallocation and strategic focus. 

• Collaborate with research teams to integrate insights into category planning. 

• Leverage competitive pricing strategies in the market, including retail, promotional, and professional pricing strategies. 

• Resolve conflicts that impact category strategy execution. 

• Distinguish product types that perform best within specific categories. 

• Coach team members on category planning to improve business outcomes. 

• Champion product expertise and support cross-functional teams with training on strategic selling methods. 

• Champion customer-centric improvements across both ecommerce and in-store environments. 

Business Acumen – Financial Management 

• Analyze and forecast short- and long-term financial needs for assigned categories. 

• Evaluate business and investment decisions for financial impact. 

• Recommend improvements to financial tools and processes. 

• Interpret financial statements to assess risks and opportunities. 

• Apply financial metrics to support strategic decision-making. 

• Mentor others in developing financial literacy and responsibility. 

Supplier Management & Negotiation 

• Define supplier value targets and select appropriate suppliers for strategic sourcing. 

• Prepare and prioritize negotiation points using data from multiple sources. 

• Lead negotiations across product categories, applying BATNA principles. 

• Anticipate and counter supplier arguments effectively. 

• Evaluate supplier performance data to inform future negotiations and sourcing decisions. 

Visionary Thinking – Strategic Execution 

• Coach employees in strategic sourcing and category planning. 

• Translate business and industry insights into actionable category strategies. 

• Analyze customer trends and shifts to inform category direction. 

• Integrate strategic vision into daily operations and long-term planning. 

Communication 

• Communicate complex and sensitive topics with clarity and diplomacy. 

• Foster open dialogue and encourage idea sharing across teams. 

• Provide coaching on effective communication techniques and tools. 

• Actively listen to understand before responding and adapt communication styles as needed. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Form and lead cross-functional teams to achieve category goals. 

• Define team roles, expectations, and success metrics. 

• Build effective promotional programs, lead execution, and analyze results in collaboration with suppliers and marketing teams. 

• Remove barriers to team performance and recommend process improvements. 

• Provide feedback and coaching to enhance team capabilities. 

• Establish recognition and reward systems to drive engagement and results. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field. 

• 5 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement. 

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills. 

• Proven experience in supplier negotiations and performance management. 

• Excellent communication, leadership, and coaching abilities. 

• Proficiency in category management tools, ERP systems, and data visualization platforms. 

Why Join Us? 

• Be a key driver of strategic growth and innovation. 

• Work in a collaborative, high-impact environment. 

• Competitive compensation and benefits. 

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.