Category Manager

Position Purpose:

The Category Manager at SRS Building Products plays a pivotal role in driving strategic growth and profitability within assigned product categories aligning efforts with the companys overarching business objectives. This position will be responsible for establishing and maintaining high levels of rapport with large-scale commercial (low slope) contractors. The individual will be responsible for multiple accounts handling projects from start to finish. This will involve product sourcing project coordination & a very high level of internal and external communications. The Category Manager will leverage their comprehensive industry insights to help optimize product assortments enhance supplier partnerships and realize financial targets; ensuring that all initiatives are executed seamlessly in collaboration with cross-functional teams. The Category Manager will cultivate a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Focus on driving profitable growth and market share expansion within assigned categories.
• Manage an established book of business; multiple accounts ranging from 5MM-15MM in business
• Maintain and grow strategic relationships with key account and commercial (low slope) contractors
• Conduct detailed analysis of market trends and competitor strategies to identify opportunities for differentiation and category expansion.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to negotiate advantageous terms and drive cost efficiencies.
• Collaborate with internal sales marketing and operations teams to devise and deploy promotional strategies that boost category performance and enhance customer engagement.
• Promote a culture of excellence and collaboration within the category management team fostering continuous learning and development to enhance team capabilities.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:

The Category Manager at SRS Building Products will report directly to the Branch Manager. This position does not include any direct reports but requires strong collaborative leadership to foster strategic partnerships within the organization.

Physical Requirements:

The Category Manager role at SRS Building Products primarily involves work in an office setting. Standard physical expectations for this position include the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods frequent use of computer and office technology and the capacity to engage in effective communication in person over the phone and in written form. This role may occasionally require light physical activity such as moving office supplies or equipment weighing up to 10 pounds. SRS Building Products is dedicated to ensuring a workplace that accommodates the diverse needs of our employees. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions and to support an inclusive and accessible work environment.

Working Conditions:

The Category Manager role at SRS Building Products offers a dynamic and flexible working environment designed to support both collaborative and independent work styles. This position operates within a hybrid model combining in-office collaboration at our facilities with remote work flexibility to ensure optimal productivity and work-life balance. The position is notably fast-paced and deadline-driven reflecting the companys commitment to setting industry standards for excellence and agility. The successful candidate will thrive in a setting that demands strategic thinking rapid adaptation to evolving market conditions and a proactive approach to achieving results. This environment empowers employees to leverage their expertise foster innovation and deliver superior outcomes that align with SRS Building Products strategic objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in business administration Marketing Supply Chain or a related field.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of knowledge or experience in the commercial (low slope) roofing industry.
• Ability to manage multiple high-impact projects & contractors concurrently. Must demonstrate exceptional initiative organizational skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully developing and implementing category strategies that result in measurable growth and profitability.
• Advanced analytical skills with the capacity to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Very strong communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in utilizing category management software data analytics tools and the Microsoft Office Suite including Excel Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced understanding of supply chain optimization and inventory management in the building materials sector.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms to support efficient category management processes.
• Prior experience in commercial (low slope) roofing with an understanding of product offerings manufacturers & market trends.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with a wide range of commercial (low slope) contractors; growing relationships and loyalty.
• Ability to maintain strategic partnerships with diverse suppliers to foster innovation and competitive advantage.
• Experience in regional product sourcing and an understanding of market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment and promoting diverse perspectives within team operations.

Preferred Education:

A bachelors degree in business administration Marketing Supply Chain or a related field.

Minimum Years of Work Experience:

Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in category management procurement or any related fields within the building materials industry or a comparable sector.

Competencies:

Competencies for Category Manager at SRS Building Products:

1. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute strategies that align with corporate goals drive growth and address market trends and customer needs.

2. Analytical Proficiency: Ability to use data analytics to derive insights monitor performance and make informed decisions for category optimization.

3. Relationship Management: Proficient in cultivating and maintaining strong partnerships with suppliers and stakeholders ensuring favorable negotiations and collaborations.

4. Leadership and Team Collaboration: Demonstrated capability in leading cross-functional teams fostering a collaborative environment and driving high-performance culture within the team.

5. Negotiation Skills: Advanced skills in negotiating favorable terms with suppliers to enhance product offerings and cost efficiencies.

6. Communication Excellence: Strong ability to prepare and deliver clear compelling presentations and reports to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

7. Project Management: Competence in managing multiple initiatives concurrently with a focus on delivering results efficiently and on time.

8. Innovation and Problem-Solving: Ability to identify opportunities for product innovation and differentiation addressing challenges with creative solutions and analytical rigor.

Job Location: