Category Manager – Digital

Patterson Dental Supply•St Paul, MN

2d•$68,300 - $88,767•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager is accountable for the planning, execution, and optimization of assigned categories across assortment, pricing, promotions, procurement, and supplier partnerships. This position synthesizes market, customer, and performance insights into recommendations that maximize revenue, margin, and share across distribution channels. The position collaborates cross functionally to influence decisions and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent education and/or experience
2 years of category management, sourcing or procurement experience
Strong analytical skills; ability to interpret complex datasets and translate insights into actionable recommendations
Effective written and verbal communication skills, able to present insights to cross functional teams and leadership
Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal partners, suppliers, and manufacturers
Negotiation, influencing and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities maintaining quality, timeliness and accuracy
Strong spreadsheet and modeling skills; familiarity with category management and sourcing tools

Nice To Haves

Experience in distribution, supply chain, or B2B sales environments

Responsibilities

Analyze category performance, customer account behaviors (e.g., purchasing patterns, product requirements, price expectations) and market dynamics to identify opportunities that drive revenue, margin, and category health
Create, maintain, and interpret reports and dashboards to explain category performance and business drivers across distribution channels
Partner with internal teams and suppliers/manufacturers on sourcing execution; align pricing, promotions, and assortment to achieve category goals and account based sales objectives; ensure adherence to supplier governance and procurement practices
Monitor category, supplier, and channel performance targets, identify risks, gaps, and opportunities to enhance profitability
Identify and recommend enhancements across promotional planning, distribution efficiency, and sales processes
Evaluate category placement and visibility needs within distribution environments and digital shelves using space management/ assortment management principles and category tools and analytics to support sales effectiveness
Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned
Engage the field and sales teams by supporting category and vendor specific plans, delivering and facilitating product and category training, and assisting with assigned vendor programs, events, trade shows, and regional or local activities; may track and report on field engagement or training effectiveness to support higher levels of sales accountability and execution