About the position

The Category Manager is accountable for the planning, execution, and optimization of assigned categories across assortment, pricing, promotions, procurement, and supplier partnerships. This position synthesizes market, customer, and performance insights into recommendations that maximize revenue, margin, and share across distribution channels. The position collaborates cross functionally to influence decisions and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Analyze category performance, customer account behaviors (e.g., purchasing patterns, product requirements, price expectations) and market dynamics to identify opportunities that drive revenue, margin, and category health
• Create, maintain, and interpret reports and dashboards to explain category performance and business drivers across distribution channels
• Partner with internal teams and suppliers/manufacturers on sourcing execution; align pricing, promotions, and assortment to achieve category goals and account based sales objectives; ensure adherence to supplier governance and procurement practices
• Monitor category, supplier, and channel performance targets, identify risks, gaps, and opportunities to enhance profitability
• Identify and recommend enhancements across promotional planning, distribution efficiency, and sales processes
• Evaluate category placement and visibility needs within distribution environments and digital shelves using space management/ assortment management principles and category tools and analytics to support sales effectiveness
• Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned
• Engage the field and sales teams by supporting category and vendor specific plans, delivering and facilitating product and category training, and assisting with assigned vendor programs, events, trade shows, and regional or local activities; may track and report on field engagement or training effectiveness to support higher levels of sales accountability and execution

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent education and/or experience
• 2 years of category management, sourcing or procurement experience
• Strong analytical skills; ability to interpret complex datasets and translate insights into actionable recommendations
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, able to present insights to cross functional teams and leadership
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal partners, suppliers, and manufacturers
• Negotiation, influencing and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities maintaining quality, timeliness and accuracy
• Strong spreadsheet and modeling skills; familiarity with category management and sourcing tools

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in distribution, supply chain, or B2B sales environments

Benefits

• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits and an integrated Wellness Program
• 401(k) Match Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Holiday Pay & Floating Holidays
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Educational Assistance Program
• Full Paid Parental and Adoption Leave
• LifeWorks (Employee Assistance Program)
• Patterson Perks Program