Category Manager

A leading North American distribution and manufacturing organization is seeking a Category Manager to oversee strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and category growth across multiple product lines. This role will drive cost‑optimization initiatives, supplier partnerships, and new product category expansion. The ideal candidate is analytical, influential, and skilled in managing vendor programs that directly impact organizational profitability.

• Lead strategic category management activities to enhance quality, service reliability, and cost performance across assigned product lines.
• Conduct sourcing events, vendor evaluations, and negotiations to strengthen supplier partnerships and secure competitive pricing.
• Manage category profitability by identifying cost‑reduction opportunities, improving supplier performance, and guiding product lifecycle decisions.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to support inventory planning, supply continuity, and new product introduction initiatives.
• Utilize data and analytics to assess spending patterns, category performance, and vendor scorecard results.
• Support supply assurance by securing additional product availability during constrained market conditions.
• Develop and onboard new suppliers to expand category offerings and enhance competitive positioning.
• Execute category and product line reviews to refine assortment strategy and support organizational planning.
• Collaborate with procurement leadership to achieve sourcing targets, including spend optimization, inventory performance, and service levels.
• Contribute to new product development by sourcing North American suppliers and evaluating product opportunities.

• Strong negotiation abilities grounded in data‑driven decision‑making.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or product management within a fast‑moving environment.
• Proven success executing cost‑reduction initiatives and vendor improvement plans.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with both internal teams and external supplier partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related procurement technologies; SAP experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret category analytics and transform insights into actionable strategies.

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in category management, sourcing, procurement, or product management.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic vendor relationships.
• Experience conducting spend analysis, product line reviews, and vendor evaluations.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% across North America for vendor visits, trade shows, and internal meetings.