Category Manager

Location: Texas USA
Experience: 8 10 Years
Employment Type: Full-Time

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to lead the development and execution of category strategies that drive revenue growth profitability and market share. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities supplier management expertise and a proven track record of delivering business results through effective category planning and execution.

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Analyze market trends customer insights competitive activity and industry developments to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage category performance including sales margin inventory and market share metrics.
• Create and execute category plans that optimize assortment pricing promotions and product lifecycle management.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and strategic partners.
• Lead contract negotiations to achieve favorable commercial terms and cost savings.
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with vendors on innovation new product introductions and promotional programs.

• Monitor category financial performance and develop action plans to achieve targets.
• Conduct spend analysis forecasting budgeting and profitability assessments.
• Utilize data analytics to support strategic decision-making and identify opportunities for cost optimization.

• Partner with Sales Marketing Supply Chain Operations and Finance teams to execute category initiatives.
• Support demand planning and inventory optimization activities.
• Collaborate on go-to-market strategies product launches and promotional campaigns.

• Stay informed about market dynamics customer preferences and emerging industry trends.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and recommend actions to strengthen category positioning.
• Identify risks and opportunities impacting category performance.

• Bachelors degree in Business Marketing Supply Chain Finance or a related field.
• 8 10 years of experience in Category Management Procurement Strategic Sourcing Merchandising or a related function.
• Proven experience managing high-value categories and supplier relationships.
• Strong negotiation contract management and vendor management skills.
• Advanced analytical and financial acumen.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel Power BI Tableau SAP Oracle or similar ERP/analytics tools.
• Excellent communication stakeholder management and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• MBA or Masters degree preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM CPM CSCP or equivalent.
• Experience working within retail consumer goods manufacturing industrial or distribution environments.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and category management best practices.

• Strategic Thinking
• Commercial Acumen
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Negotiation & Influencing Skills
• Project Management
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Problem Solving

• Category revenue growth and profitability.
• Cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Inventory optimization and demand forecasting accuracy.
• Successful execution of category strategies and business initiatives.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and cross-functional collaboration effectiveness