Category Manager

Advance Stores Company•Raleigh, NC

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager is a strategic, data-driven, and collaborative role responsible for developing and executing category strategies to drive business growth. This involves optimizing supplier partnerships and enhancing customer satisfaction. The position requires expertise in category strategy creation and execution, financial acumen, supplier negotiation, and cross-functional leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.
8 + years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement.
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
Proven experience in supplier negotiations and performance management.
Excellent communication, leadership, and coaching abilities.
Proficiency in category management tools, ERP systems, and data visualization platforms.

Responsibilities

Assesses category lifecycle stages and aligns strategies accordingly.
Identifies categories requiring resource reallocation and strategic focus.
Collaborates with research teams to integrate insights into category planning.
Leverages competitive pricing strategies in the market, including retail, promotional, and professional pricing strategies.
Resolves conflicts that impact category strategy execution.
Distinguishes product types that perform best within specific categories.
Coaches team members on category planning to improve business outcomes.
Analyzes and forecasts short- and long-term financial needs for assigned categories.
Evaluates business and investment decisions for financial impact.
Recommends improvements to financial tools and processes.
Interprets financial statements to assess risks and opportunities.
Applies financial metrics to support strategic decision-making.
Mentors others in developing financial literacy and responsibility.
Defines supplier value targets and selects appropriate suppliers for strategic sourcing.
Prepares and prioritizes negotiation points using data from multiple sources.
Leads negotiations across product categories, applying BATNA principles.
Anticipates and counters supplier arguments effectively.
Evaluates supplier performance data to inform future negotiations and sourcing decisions.
Assists in the creation of implementation plans for the vision.
Applies information from the business and industry to formulate potential product category strategies.
Analyzes customer base for a given product category and determines potential changes and shifts that impact the overall Company.
Integrates the strategic vision into a given product category through execution of day-to-day operational goals.
Communicates complex and sensitive topics with clarity and diplomacy.
Fosters open dialogue and encourages idea sharing across teams.
Provides coaching on effective communication techniques and tools.
Actively listens to understand before responding and adapts communication styles as needed.
Identifies the steps in the team formation process (e.g., forming, storming, norming, performing).
Recognizes and communicates barriers to effective teamwork.
Identifies and resolves conflicts (interpersonal) to effective teamwork by giving and seeking feedback.
Takes initiative and provides leadership for the team even if not officially designated 'leader'.