Category Manager - Lawn & Garden

BWI Companies • Nash, TX

1d

About The Position

The Category Manager will lead the growth and profitability of the Lawn & Garden product categories. The role owns category strategy, product assortment, vendor relationships, pricing, profitability, and product performance. It works closely with Purchasing, Sales Management, and other departments to grow sales and gross profit, improve margins, and manage inventory. The position includes approximately 10% travel and offers annual compensation of $60,000–$80,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work across departments and manage competing priorities.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10%.

Nice To Haves

• 3–5 years of experience in category management, purchasing, merchandising, or vendor management.
• Experience in Lawn & Garden, Outdoor Living, Pest Control, or related consumer products industries; strongly preferred.
• Experience in wholesale distribution or retail merchandising.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category plans focused on sales growth, margin improvement, and profitability.
• Manage product assortments, including new and discontinued items.
• Identify market trends, competitive activity, opportunities to expand categories, and potential new product lines.
• Analyze sales, margins, inventory turns, and vendor profitability.
• Serve as the primary contact for assigned vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, program terms, and promotional support.
• Evaluate vendor performance, product costs, lead times, and service levels.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies based on costs, competitors, and market conditions.
• Evaluate promotional programs, rebates, and vendor incentives to maximize profitability.
• Partner with Sales Management on category-specific sales initiatives.
• Coordinate vendor promotions, seasonal offerings, and sales events.
• Equip the sales team with product knowledge and market insights.
• Participate in customer visits, vendor meetings, trade shows, and industry events.
• Work with Purchasing to set stock levels and replenishment strategies.
• Minimize slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
• Coordinate new item setup, product information, and vendor program implementation.

Benefits

• 401(k) with generous company match
• Health, dental, and vision care plan options
• Flexible spending account and health savings account options
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid vacation
• 8 paid company holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level