Category Manager

The position will be responsible for sourcing and purchasing a specific category of products, understanding their trends and production timing, developing and managing supplier relationships, developing strategic sourcing strategies and plans, updating pricing for current and future, and working with sales and customer service personnel to increase volume, revenue and margin.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Display and promote company values (ASPIRE: Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve).
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to mentor, train, motivate, direct, and empower teammates.
• Drive the selection and negotiation in terms of quality, price, delivery, terms, and service.
• Source new and existing items, categories, and vendors as needed.
• Look for opportunities to add/update current and new products.
• Develop and maintain product/category expertise.
• Educate suppliers on company expectations and our B-Corp objectives.
• Lead the focus on supplier qualification program.
• Sustain and cultivate strong vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to maintain transparency and open communication.
• Firm understanding of category products from items, to manufacturing processes, locations, claims and quality expectations.
• Be an expert in the category and ability to present to customers, sales, and other internal divisions.
• Own the database of all documents, technical drawings, samples, line drawings, and color copies of each product.
• Always ensure proper inventory levels.
• Update all current prices, lead times, MOQ, and order quantities within the MRP system.
• Manage and drive down the Dead/Expired inventory within category.
• Work with the broader team on supplier delays, shortages of products and quality issues.
• Recommend process improvements for increased efficiency.
• Firm understanding and compliance with company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and Safe Practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work well and communicate clearly with others in all levels of the business.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with prevalent professional demeanor.
• Strong facilitation skills – teamwork and team building.
• High ethical standards.
• Highly motivated.
• Ability to work in fast paced, rapidly changing, and regulated environment.
• Detail oriented.
• Analytical skills to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Results and action oriented.
• Mathematical aptitude.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite products and ability to learn new systems quickly.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relatable field or 5+ years of experience required.
• A minimum of 3+ years’ experience in a relatable field preferred.
• Experience in contract negotiation required.
• Experience with ERP software is preferred.
• Experience with quoting projects, product cost analysis, and RFQ analysis required.
• Knowledge of databases and ability to create reports is preferred.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit an average of 5-6 hours per day
• Stand an average of less than 1 hour per day
• Walk an average of less than 1 hour per day
• Required Movements:
  • Up to 10 lbs – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Up to 10 lbs – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
• Hands Used for Repetitive Action:
  • Simple/light grasping (both hands) – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
  • Fine dexterity (both hands) – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
• Job requires being around moving machinery and equipment
• Job requires wearing personal protective equipment as necessary
• Personal Protective Equipment
  
  Required: