Category Manager - Windows & Exterior Doors

A Carter Lumber Category Manager - Windows & Exterior Doors is responsible for leading category strategy, vendor partnerships, and overall category performance, addressing location specific needs, and driving day‑to‑day activities that help grow the categories. Ensures our vendors provide the best combination of quality, service, and price to our stores and customers. Effective communication with the field and internal departments is mandatory for the success of this position.

This is an onsite position located at our corporate office in Kent, OH. Candidates must reside within commuting distance or be willing to relocate.

• Previous purchasing or category management experience in the building materials industry is preferred
• Experience negotiating with vendors and managing product categories
• Ability to cultivate and sustain strategic relationships
• Strong communication skills with field teams and internal departments
• Exceptional problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to review documents for accuracy
• Ability to multitask, organize, prioritize and coordinate work activities
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong proficiency of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Occasional overnight travel when necessary

• Lead vendor proposal reviews, negotiations, and other category initiatives.
• Ability to review vendor proposals, analyze and make recommendations and determinations based on the criteria below:
  • Best in class pricing
  • Volume rebates: quarterly, semi‑annually, and yearly
  • Cash discounts and payment terms
  • Growth incentives
  • Relationship Marketing Events
• Submit and review quotes to help drive buying decisions based on products that best fit our customer and store needs
• Confirm on‑time delivery of quality products at competitive costs to site locations
• Assist in forecasting product needs by analyzing trends and inventory levels to make recommended buying decisions
• Help develop & recommend vendor programs to the Director to increase rebate dollars by product category

• Review and analyze purchases, turns, and rebates by product category
• Review and manage SKUs and product descriptions to ensure consistency and eliminate duplication by category
• Review and monitor program compliance

• Provide stores with product information, pricing questions, availability, and lead times
• Resolve store product issues including shipments, quality, and defective material by communicating with store and vendor
• Assist in negotiating and quoting large projects
• Develop customer programs and negotiate program parameters with suppliers based on the needs of the customer and store
• Plan, track, and maintain co‑op fund balances for relationship events and category growth

• Health, Dental, Vision (Single and Family Plans) available after 30 days of employment
• Short and Long‑Term Disability
• Company‑paid life insurance and AD&D
• Optional supplemental life insurance
• Company‑match 401(k)
• Vacation time and paid holidays
• Room for growth; we promote from within!

IND
123