Category Manager

9999 XLP Parts Corporate
15701 Northwest Fwy
Houston, TX 77040, USA

Reporting To: VP of Merchandising
Direct Reports:
No
Status:
Full-Time
Salaried
Division:
Products and Supply Chain

Job Purpose:

A Category Manager develops and executes the overall strategy for assigned product categories, researching new product and supplier opportunities to drive sales growth and achieve business targets. This role partners cross-functionally to deliver category insights and strategic recommendations through analysis of sales data, customer trends, and market conditions. The Category Manager works closely with suppliers to build optimal assortments and bring innovative, first-to-market products to customers.

In collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Pricing teams, this role collaborates in establishing effective pricing strategies by evaluating sales trends, competitive activity, and buying behaviors to maximize revenue opportunities. The Category Manager also supports the development of impactful training, promotional programs and materials to drive category performance.

Key

Job Responsibilities:

• Develops a competitive category and product brand strategy aligned with business goals and overall category objectives.
• Builds and executes annual category plans, including growth targets, margin goals, and market share objectives.
• Owns and drives category KPI performance.
• Analyzes market trends, customer insights, and competitive activity to enhance product strategy.
• Monitors competitors and adapts product offerings to maintain market competitiveness.
• Defines optimal SKU assortment by line within each category.
• Leads product introductions, line reviews, and assortment rationalization based on market data and customer insights.
• Partners with Pricing and Finance to balance category competitiveness and profitability.
• Collaborates with Sales and Pricing on account-specific plans for key customers.
• Works cross-functionally with Sales and Operations to support sales initiatives and company objectives.
• Coordinates with Marketing to analyze trends and refine category and brand strategies.
• Coordinates with Marketing to plan, execute, and evaluate promotional calendar and trade spend.
• Measures and communicates promotional effectiveness and ROI.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders to ensure successful execution of promotional plans.
• Leads supplier negotiations and manages contracts, including terms, conditions, and allowances.
• Builds strong vendor partnerships to drive cost efficiency, service levels, and innovation.
• Drives supplier joint business planning and supplier performance reviews.
• Partners with Finance to ensure payables and receivables are executed within negotiated terms.
• Collaborates with Supply Chain and Key Stakeholders on product line changeovers and category transformation initiatives.
• Drives supplier negotiation/initiatives to reduce out-of-stocks, overstocks, and shrink.
• Collaborates with Catalog Team to ensure categories, brands, and parts are represented correctly.
li>Facilitates product line training for Sales and Operations teams.
• Partners with Sales and Operations on supplier fieldwork and in-market activities.
• Provides regular Category performance updates to key stakeholders to ensure continued alignment with company objectives.
• Supports the broader Product organization, including assortment planning, purchasing, and inventory management, by providing a holistic view of customer demand, supplier capabilities, and profitability.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3 plus years in a Category Manager or Merchandising leadership role.
• Ability to work on site up to 5 days a week, with hybrid flexibility after training is complete.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent leadership skills and proficiency to work in a team environment.
• Advance proficiency in Microsoft Office Products and computer literacy.
• Experience in Power BI or similar business intelligence software is preferred.

We offer a competitive compensation plan complete with attractive benefits offerings that include (not limited to) medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid time off and opportunities for advancement.

In a typical 9-hour workday, employees are expected to adapt to a fast-paced work environment and can spend extended periods at a computer. Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. or more may be necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.

XL Parts and The Parts House (TPH) a Marubeni Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment is contingent upon a successful background check and drug screen that meets the Company’s guidelines for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.