Category Manager Date: Nov 7, 2024 Location: Port Washington, NY, US, 11050 Global Industrial Corporate Overview For over 70 years Global Industrial has been an industry leader providing private label and brand name industrial equipment and supplies to businesses throughout North America. We carry over one million industrial, material handling and business products that are sold through our website, corporate sales people and full color catalogs. We are constantly increasing our product offerings to meet the diverse and changing needs of our customers. Our customers include small to large corporations, institutions, government agencies and consumers across North America. Primary Purpose The Category Manager has responsibility for managing assigned product categories and vendors within a business unit. This position will be directly responsible in the development of category strategies and expected to develop and implement tactics to support these strategies. This role will be responsible for profitably growing the assigned category and ensuring the success of team programs and initiatives. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to; vendor program development & management, assortment curation, cost management, profitable sales growth, cross functional support. Key Responsibilities + Develops and documents data-driven category (and subcategory) strategies aligned with Global Industrials vision, strategic initiatives, and principles to drive year over year growth. + Analyze business to determine product trends and assortment curation + Monitor market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes to identify potential risks and opportunities in the supply chain. Develop and maintain risk mitigation plans inclusive of proactive risk identification and risk prevention, mitigation, and compliance with stakeholders. + Seeks opportunities for continuing process improvement in terms of processes and capabilities within this role. Performs special projects and analyses as assigned. + Proven ability to build product lines in tune with merchandise strategies that grow sales and maximize business + Partners with cross functional teams to implement and manage category strategies, pricing initiatives, forecasting and inventorying of products, freight analysis and marketing and digital merchandising initiatives such as product catalogs, online presence, competitive strategies, etc. + Focus on overall customer satisfaction while maximizing gross margins and surpassing sales goals + Demonstrate extensive product & system knowledge + Identify & implement a strong exclusive brand assortment + Responsible for broad product line that may have multiple Product Managers covering the products + Build strong relationships while negotiating with vendors on availability, product specs, distribution, delivery deadlines and pricing are fundamental aspects of the job, geared towards maximizing the company's profits and surpassing margin goals + Owns and leads all negotiations on new supplier set ups, master agreements, negotiates contracts, develops Requests for Proposals, develops business plans, coordinates and collaborates with suppliers to request price quotes and proposals for goods and services in line with category strategies. + Assist with training new employees & act as mentor for other Product Managers + Assist with system enhancements to meet changing business needs + Spearhead marketing campaigns by negotiating exclusive promotions with vendors externally & implementing special offers to customers via various marketing vehicles internally + Maintain a cohesive and customer friendly print catalog representing your category assortment + Manage web presentations from banner ads, category structure, to model level marketing copy, imagery and specifications + Analyzes spend data to determine pricing inconsistencies, savings opportunities, and consolidation and demand management opportunities. + Tracks competitive landscape in the marketplace and actively monitors price indices applicable to category areas, identifies new sources of supply and engages with potential and existing suppliers. + Conduct competitive analysis to determine best pricing possible + Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and requirements, partnering throughout the procurement process. + Recommend stocking programs to improve profitability & product lead time Competencies and skills + 5 - 10 years of industrial products category management experience + Sound negotiating and communication skills + Must be self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work independently, keen attention to details and deadlines + Website and catalog experience + Proficient in MS Office + Strategy & Plan Development + Roadmap Development + Private Brand Development + Brand Development + Digital Marketing + Lead Management + Customer Retention + Align Marketing with Sales Efforts + Customer Focus + Integrated Marketing Communications + Integrity + Creative Strategy Management + Go To Market Strategy & Program Execution + Communication Skills + Field Event & Campaign Marketing + Managing Sales Support Resources + Managing Diversity EEO/AA Statement Global Industrial provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.