Manager - category management

Description As a Manager - Category Management, you will be responsible for category strategy planning and overseeing execution of supplier growth plans. You will lead the development of customer-centric category plans, working with Sales and Marketing to identify new growth opportunities. You will lead product assortment optimization efforts and new product onboarding. You will manage preferred supplier relationships, providing increased value for both the company and the supplier. Responsibilities: Work cross-functionally to identify first-cost, standard cost, spend, and pricing optimization opportunities: to improve profitability of the category. Accountable for the annual category business planning and strategy execution for the category Conducts supplier contracting for operational and financial terms improvement Supports development of an optimized Product Assortment & Merchandizing strategy Responsible for supplier contracting to improve operational and financial terms Support marketing plan development and execution Effectively communicate key product messaging both internally and externally Conduct product evaluation and comparisons to identify alternates Identify, manage and communicate new product introductions Conduct supplier negotiations to obtain best value Addresses supplier performance management and issue resolution Qualifications: Bachelors Degree - Business, Sales, Marketing or relevant field required; Masters Degree preferred 5 years experience in sales, marketing, product management 5 years of success maintaining and developing key relationships 2 years People management and/or product category management experience Previous experience in electrical distribution market Proven ability to influence cross functional teams Analytical and detail oriented Excellent business and financial acumen