Category Manager

North American Rail Solutions•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

American Track, a proud member of North American Rail Solutions, is looking for a Category Manager to assist with the company’s supply chain and sourcing capabilities to ensure operations has the resources needed to operate efficiently and effectively. This role is responsible for developing and executing the sourcing and procurement strategy across multiple categories in the United States. An ideal candidate is detail oriented, capable of forward thinking and building strong relationships across the operation and various suppliers. Provides insights and recommendations to optimize new product introductions, distribution, shelving, price, and promotional mix by analyzing marketing and customer data. Gathers quotes from vendors for projects and tracks data to make informed decisions. Maximizes organizational profitability through strategic sourcing of products in assigned categories. Leverages internal and external data to provide the organization with overall purchasing, vendor-specific and line-item reporting. Works with internal staff in estimating, finance and accounting to provide data-driven demand forecasting. Negotiates contracts with suppliers to get the best prices and terms. Maintains relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and delivery requirements are met. Monitors inventory levels and works with operational team on financial performance of the category. Provides timely feedback to suppliers on quotes to maintain a competitive environment amongst suppliers. Provides guidance to internal operations teams to maximize profitability on jobs. Effective coordination with other departments, such as finance, operations, and accounting to ensure that the category management strategies are aligned to maximize profitability. Supports the Category Management process to ensure cost effectiveness and efficiency. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field
4+ years experience in supply chain or procurement role.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to forecast market trends and align with company goals
Proficiency in contract administration and negotiations.
Knowledge of financials, P&L management, and ERP tools
Working knowledge of finance/accounting for budgeting, cost management, financial accounting, treasury and risk management
Collaborative style able to work in a complex, multi-brand environment
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel domestically

Nice To Haves

Previous construction industry or railroad experience, a plus

Responsibilities

Provides insights and recommendations to optimize new product introductions, distribution, shelving, price, and promotional mix by analyzing marketing and customer data.
Gathers quotes from vendors for projects and tracks data to make informed decisions.
Maximizes organizational profitability through strategic sourcing of products in assigned categories.
Leverages internal and external data to provide the organization with overall purchasing, vendor-specific and line-item reporting.
Works with internal staff in estimating, finance and accounting to provide data-driven demand forecasting.
Negotiates contracts with suppliers to get the best prices and terms.
Maintains relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and delivery requirements are met.
Monitors inventory levels and works with operational team on financial performance of the category.
Provides timely feedback to suppliers on quotes to maintain a competitive environment amongst suppliers.
Provides guidance to internal operations teams to maximize profitability on jobs.
Effective coordination with other departments, such as finance, operations, and accounting to ensure that the category management strategies are aligned to maximize profitability.
Supports the Category Management process to ensure cost effectiveness and efficiency.
Performs other duties as assigned.