Category Manager
: Job Details :

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 c ompetitive 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 .

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