Category Manager, Strategy

Brief Position Summary

The Category Strategy Manager is responsible for executing the Category strategy through implementation of tactics, assessing results, and adapting based upon outcomes. Implementation activities can be grouped in four major disciplines: strategy management, vendor relationships, category marketing, and cross‑functional collaboration. Key activities include key vendor relationship management and negotiation, product line value proposition, and annual tactics planning.

• Product Line Ownership:
  • Ownership of all suppliers within assigned product line(s)
  • Responsible for population of suppliers that make up sales of assigned product line(s)
  • Resolves conflict with internal partners or external suppliers or escalates to next leadership level
  • Fosters the MSC culture in the department and throughout the company to ensure fulfillment of MSC's vision and unity of purpose
  • Participation in special projects and performs additional duties as required
  • Manage day‑to‑day activities of Product Line (to include, but not limited to)
• Provides supporting category and industry expertise, data, and insights for product lines used to define the strategy for the Category: (8‑step process), with emphasis on setting, implementing, and adapting tactics:
  • Define Category
  • Assess Role of Category
  • Assess Category Performance
  • Set Objectives and Targets
  • Devise Strategy
  • Set Tactics
  • Implement Tactics
  • Review and Adapt
• Tactics Planning and Implementation:
  • Participates in annual planning process. Creates customer solutions for assigned product lines and lead execution in partnership with sales
  • Provides feedback and collaborates with the Category Operations team to continually improve processes
  • Participates in cross‑function initiatives to drive the business, serving as the SME for the assigned product lines
  • Incorporates change management as the strategy evolves
  • Helps execute cross‑functional plan(s) for assigned product lines incorporating sales, marketing, supply chain, and any other necessary key functions
• Vendor Management:
  • Negotiates with and manages key suppliers; builds strategic growth plans and aligns goals with key strategic partners
  • Resolves contract‑specific conflicts
  • Articulates product line value propositions and whitespace
  • Manages product, brand, and vendor rationalization
  • Collaborates with the Category Operations team to implement pricing strategy
• Review Results:
  • Monitors product line contribution margin (sales, cost, coop negotiation, supply chain opportunities)
  • Identifies and leads execution of actions to drive growth
  • Prepares thorough vendor performance reviews

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a Related Field;
  Master’s Level preferred.
• Minimum of five years industry experience in distribution, supplier management and negotiations, business development, distribution, product management, marketing or merchandising management, supply chain is required.
• Ability to manage cross‑functional initiatives required.
• Experience managing associates preferred.
• MS Office proficiency required.

• Strong execution focus; drive for results required.
• Prioritizes deliverables and allocates resources appropriately required.
• Ability to remain focused and make decisions through times of ambiguity required.
• Solid business acumen, including key financial targets, and knowledge of distribution process required.
• Strong customer focus and understanding of their needs and expectations; understands market direction and trends required.
• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and works to find solutions required.
• Successfully navigates the organization's people and processes to accomplish work efficiently required.
• Works cross‑functionally and has effectively participated on cross‑functional teams required.
• Skilled at cultivating supplier relationships at a non‑strategic level required.
• Comfortable negotiating externally and representing the best interests of the company required.
• Strong written and verbal communication with presentation experience required.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to travel up to 10% of the time may be required.

Compensation…