The Category Manager for Electronics and Hard Goods is responsible for negotiating and managing a large number of items and suppliers for a large-scale distribution operator. The Category Manager must possess a creative mind that can modify or transform a standard consumer product into an item that would be sufficient in the Correctional marketplace keeping safety and cost at the forefront to grow sales and margin. This role provides support to members of the Sales team with the goal of enhancing the competitive position of the company. This role works proactively with Marketing, Accounting, Warehouse Operations and Replenishment to provide the highest quality of service to Union Supply?s customers and suppliers.
Job Responsibilities- Analyze market research to identify new item and category opportunities. Proactively source new suppliers and evaluate strategic fit for Union?s private and national branded programs.
- Successfully manage supplier relationships to benefit Union?s programs in terms of cost, innovation and to have an exceptional partnership. Negotiate with suppliers to maximize rebates, net volume discounts, promotional activities and other revenue streams.
- Prioritize and execute annual category reviews.
- Proactively monitor performance and effectiveness of suppliers, profitability, sales trends and product/programs in assigned categories. Collaborate with suppliers in bringing in new product and programs solutions to align with customers? needs.
- Serves as subject matter expert for assigned product categories. Works with Category Management team to maximize growth and profit opportunities tied to Replenishment.
- Drive and manage product development timelines for private brands while working proactively with appropriate team members to ensure speed and efficiency of the process.
- Effectively communicate with Sales teams to ensure product information is shared in a timely and accurate manner.
- Actively participate in recommending items for bid menus.
- Oversee direct reports to ensure inventory levels for all items are appropriate and demand is met with appropriate supply.
- Attend key industry tradeshows related to categories being managed.
- All other job duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent experience required
- Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years? experience in consumer product goods industry, with electronics and hard goods product experience.
- Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office ? especially Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as Microsoft Outlook. Must be extremely organized, analytical and possess highly developed written/oral communication, management, training and interpersonal skills.
emonstrated ability to understand complex and diverse syndicated data, critically evaluate such data, and provide sound recommendations based on evaluation of the data. ? Ability to write clearly and effectively. Strong verbal communication and listening skills. Strong organizational and time management skills. Strong negotiation, persuasion, sales, and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills. ? Ability to foster and cultivate business opportunities and relationships while identifying key decision makers and processes. Ability to manage day-to-day working relationships with cross-functional team members and suppliers in a professional and effective manner. ? Ability to be proactive by identifying issues and assisting in their resolution. ? Must be result driven, adaptable, detail oriented and organized. ? Must have prior experience dealing with international suppliers with overseas manufacturing facilities as well as private brand experience to create unique items in Electronics, Accessories, Watches and Household items. ? Must have excellent people skills to maintain and nurture the Business relationship that has been established for many years. ? Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities and work efficiently and complete projects within expected time-frames. Demonstrate strong project management skills including lead project through completion. Commitment to continuous improvement. ? Demonstrated analytic, quantitative, and problem solving skills. Ability to critically evaluate information or data and participate in the formulation of business recommendations. ? Ability to travel 25 percent of the time including overnight.
Education About Aramark
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Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.
At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
About Aramark
The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .