Category ManagerDate: Oct 9, 2024Location:Port Washington, NY, US, 11050Global IndustrialCorporate OverviewFor over 70 years Global Industrial has been an industry leader providing private label and brand name industrial equipment and supplies to businesses throughout North America.We carry over one million industrial, material handling and business products that are sold through our website, corporate sales people and full color catalogs. We are constantly increasing our product offerings to meet the diverse and changing needs of our customers. Our customers include small to large corporations, institutions, government agencies and consumers across North America.Primary PurposeThe Category Manager has responsibility for managing assigned product categories and vendors within a business unit. This position will be directly responsible in the development of category strategies and expected to develop and implement tactics to support these strategies. This role will be responsible for profitably growing the assigned category and ensuring the success of team programs and initiatives. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to; vendor program development & management, assortment curation, cost management, profitable sales growth, cross functional support.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelops and documents data-driven category (and subcategory) strategies aligned with Global Industrials vision, strategic initiatives, and principles to drive year over year growth.Analyze business to determine product trends and assortment curationMonitor market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes to identify potential risks and opportunities in the supply chain. Develop and maintain risk mitigation plans inclusive of proactive risk identification and risk prevention, mitigation, and compliance with stakeholders.Seeks opportunities for continuing process improvement in terms of processes and capabilities within this role. Performs special projects and analyses as assigned.Proven ability to build product lines in tune with merchandise strategies that grow sales and maximize businessPartners with cross functional teams to implement and manage category strategies, pricing initiatives, forecasting and inventorying of products, freight analysis and marketing and digital merchandising initiatives such as product catalogs, online presence, competitive strategies, etc.Focus on overall customer satisfaction while maximizing gross margins and surpassing sales goalsDemonstrate extensive product & system knowledgeIdentify & implement a strong exclusive brand assortmentResponsible for broad product line that may have multiple Product Managers covering the productsBuild strong relationships while negotiating with vendors on availability, product specs, distribution, delivery deadlines and pricing are fundamental aspects of the job, geared towards maximizing the company's profits and surpassing margin goalsOwns and leads all negotiations on new supplier set ups, master agreements, negotiates contracts, develops Requests for Proposals, develops business plans, coordinates and collaborates with suppliers to request price quotes and proposals for goods and services in line with category strategies.Assist with training new employees & act as mentor for other Product ManagersAssist with system enhancements to meet changing business needsSpearhead marketing campaigns by negotiating exclusive promotions with vendors externally & implementing special offers to customers via various marketing vehicles internallyMaintain a cohesive and customer friendly print catalog representing your category assortmentManage web presentations from banner ads, category structure, to model level marketing copy, imagery and specificationsAnalyzes spend data to determine pricing inconsistencies, savings opportunities, and consolidation and demand management opportunities.Tracks competitive landscape in the marketplace and actively monitors price indices applicable to category areas, identifies new sources of supply and engages with potential and existing suppliers.Conduct competitive analysis to determine best pricing possibleCollaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and requirements, partnering throughout the procurement process.Recommend stocking programs to improve profitability & product lead timeCompetencies and skills5 - 10 years of industrial products category management experienceSound negotiating and communication skillsMust be self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work independently, keen attention to details and deadlinesWebsite and catalog experienceProficient in MS OfficeStrategy & Plan DevelopmentRoadmap DevelopmentPrivate Brand DevelopmentBrand DevelopmentDigital MarketingLead ManagementCustomer RetentionAlign Marketing with Sales EffortsCustomer FocusIntegrated Marketing CommunicationsIntegrityCreative Strategy ManagementGo To Market Strategy & Program ExecutionCommunication SkillsField Event & Campaign MarketingManaging Sales Support ResourcesManaging DiversityEEO/AA StatementGlobal Industrial provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.