The Category Manager is responsible for development and implementation of strategic direction for a product category in a distribution and light manufacturing environment across the company’s business units. Optimizing inventory levels, sales support, proposal development, market trend analysis, supplier development and marketing initiatives are key areas of focus for this role. Documentation, problem-solving and collaboration are key strengths for this role. The ideal candidate is an action-focused and collaborative with suppliers, colleagues within supply chain and other departments. This is a NEW position as GCG continues to grow and reports to the Director of Category Management.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES

• Manage category performance across industry verticals, products and brands
• Develop and implement best in class category optimization initiatives backed with ROI projections
• Collaborate with sales and operations management toward common goals
• Deploy long-term category development strategies
• Create capacity models for strategic products
• Lead functional efficacy programs to improve category utilization
• Analyze supplier and sales trends and develop patterns for inventory and cost modeling
• Assume responsibility of budget development and revenue for category
• Manage and maintain supplier registration records
• Communicate significant cost and capacity changes to field personnel
• Support maintenance of functional product and pricing data (PIM) companywide
• Lead training on products and services within respective category
• Support program efforts with sales teams
• Represent GCG at industry events
• Recruit and train new employees

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field; Post graduate degree preferred
• At least five (5) years of category management and/or sales experience required
• Strong working knowledge and experience executing category strategies and initiatives

• Applied understanding of sales development and product life cycle concepts
• Understanding of purchasing methods and inventory management concepts in a distribution and production environment
• Understanding of logistics, basic accounting principles and warehouse operations
• Strong understanding of profitability and financial impact of purchasing decisions
• Able to coach and be coachable
• Able to manage disparate work flows simultaneously
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Detail oriented

• Acts with integrity in all areas of our work
• Builds strong partnerships with colleagues and suppliers
• Collaborates effectively across departments
• Demonstrates agility and commitment when responding to customer needs
• Focuses on continuous improvement
• Values people equally

• Office environment; no adverse environmental conditions expected
• Less than 20% travel – industry events, supplier facilities, internal meetings

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times