Category Manager I - U.S. AutoForce

U.S. Venture, Inc.•Appleton, WI

About The Position

The Category Manager I is responsible for overall vendor program and product management to increase sales and profitability while driving sustainable growth. This role will manage a group of brands or multiple categories of products for U.S. AutoForce and must have full comprehension of inventory, pricing, promotion, product placement/segmentation and sales principles. A background in financial metrics/measurement and inventory management is a bonus. The Category Manager I will coordinate the division’s product mix at the direction of direct supervisor to achieve assigned Gross Margin ROI (GMROI), targeted inventory turns and fill-rates on assigned product lines. Additional responsibilities include managing product, supplier promotions, marketing activities of assigned products and vendor programs. This position is located in Appleton, WI.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree in Business, a related field, or the equivalent experience
3-5 years experience in product management or purchasing in a related industry
Excellent analytical, problem solving, process improvement, communication, and organizational abilities
Able to deal with a variety of people and situations in a positive, open-minded, and results oriented manner
Detail, results, and team oriented as well as professional under stress
Ability to think strategically and translate a vision into a solid measurable marketing/sales program
Strong analytical skills including a good understanding of the budgeting process, cost control, price and profit dynamics, profit margin retention strategies, and statistics
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
Good problem solving, negotiation and communication skills
Ethical and trustworthy
Valid driver’s license

Responsibilities

Devise long term strategies for brands and categories growth
Create new product launch strategy, stock model and promotional activities
Build strong trusting relationships with suppliers
Manage brand related: product, pricing, promotions, co-op, and rebate programs
Negotiate and manage all supplier rebate programs to maximize growth and profitability
Manage all special purchase opportunities – qualify and quantify benefits
Analyze and lead all large quarterly and annual buys, quantify financial impacts
Create promotions to grow branded sales
Maintain supplier scorecard and monthly data metrics
Forecast inventory to meet customer demand
Work in a team environment to collectively grow
Lead inventory management data collaboration process with suppliers
Authorize positioning of a product/category to maximize visibility and profitability
Acquire & Analyze industry data, make adjustments to remain current with industry and consumer trends
Approve sustainable inventory levels with inventory control team
Counsel pricing on selling price in a manner that allows for maximum gross profit
Approve and track annual marketing and co-op plans
Execute promotional activities with Marketing Managers
Develop strong working relationships with Sales, Program Managers, Customer Service, Finance and Operations
Facilitate E-Commerce parts activities with parts GM
Provide finance guidance on rebate and volume bonus program management tracking
Facilitate internet product marketing
Manage associate dealer programs and data flow with Brand Managers
Approve and develop new part numbers to the inventory model
Develop exit strategy for unsuccessful or discontinued product
Participate in Trade show planning and implementation
Consult Inbound Logistics on supplier shipments and logistics opportunities
Ensure accurate pricing and perform purchase price variance corrective action
Perform other related duties as required and assigned
Live our values of High Performance, Caring Relationships, Strategic Foresight, and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Find A Better Way by championing continuous improvement and quality control efforts to identify opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency, accuracy, and standardization
Continuously learn and develop self professionally
Support corporate efforts for safety, government compliance, and all other company policies & procedures