Sr. Manager of Category Management - Preventative & Diagnostics

** Patterson isn't just a place to work, it's a partner that cares about your success.*
* One of the distinguishing marks of our company is the talented people who embrace the people-first, always advancing, and results-driven culture. Professional growth abounds in this motivating environment. We value the diverse talents and experiences our employees bring to Patterson and believe that they build a stronger and successful organization.

The Senior Manager of Category Management is accountable to manage the execution and operating plans aligned to end-to-end category strategies across assortment, pricing, promotions, procurement, and supplier partnerships to grow sales, margin, and share. This position is responsible for data-driven reviews of syndicated and internal data, customer insights, and competitive intelligence to shape the category roadmap. In addition, this role collaborates cross-functionally to deliver measurable business outcomes.

** Essential Functions*
* + Lead the development and execution of category strategies, operating plans and roadmaps, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and omnichannel merchandising, to achieve revenue, margin, and market share growth targets

+ Oversee sourcing and commercial execution (RFIs/RFPs) and supplier management including risk analyses, competitive pricing, service levels, and adherence to supplier governance and procurement practices and align cross-functionally on pricing architectures and promotions that improve profitability

+ Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle; inform innovation and product introduction, monitor adoption, and lead rationalization decisions ensuring alignment to customer demand and business goals

+ Manage category performance management through KPIs, scorecards, business reviews and analytics, translating insights into actionable plans that improve sales, profitability, and operational efficiency

+ Drive data-informed decision-making by synthesizing internal and syndicated data, customer insights, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform category plans

+ Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance and vendor partners to align category strategies with broader business objectives and ensure effective execution

+ Establish and enhance category management processes, tools, and best practices, championing continuous improvement and scalability across the function

+ Build organizational capacity by strengthening team capabilities, enabling effective use of skills, supporting recruiting and onboarding, and improving processes, tools, or workflows to enhance performance and achieve organizational objectives

+ Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned

** People Management*
* + Accountable for team staffing and managing direct reports to include development, performance management, goal setting, and other managerial duties

+ Ensures direct reports are aware of and follow ethical business practices and Company's Code of Conduct to maintain a supportive and productive working environment.

** Minimum Requirements*
* + Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent education and/or experience

+ 8 years category management, sourcing, or procurement experience

+ 3 years of leadership or people management experience

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* Skills and Abilities

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* + Proven experience of category trends, regulatory considerations, and supply chain dynamics

+ Solid understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and supply chain considerations

+ Advanced analytical and financial acumen; ability to interpret and translate complex data into concise recommendations

+ Strong business acumen, sourcing and negotiation skills

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to effectively influence and deliver concise information to internal and external stakeholders

+ Strong project and change leadership skills; ability to prioritize initiatives, manage dependencies, and lead process improvements

+ Experience building organizational capacity and developing team…