Director of Category Management

Quality Bicycle Products•Bloomington, MN

About The Position

The Director of Category Management leads QBP’s Category Management organization and provides leadership oversight for the Canadian business. The role is responsible for the performance and growth of QBP’s distribution portfolio through category strategy, supplier and brand partnerships, assortment management, pricing execution, portfolio optimization, and commercial business planning. The Director builds strong supplier relationships, strengthens brand partnerships, improves category performance, and develops a high-performing Category Management organization. The Director aligns Sales, Purchasing, Demand Planning, Marketing, Global Product Supply, Proprietary Brands, and other business functions to deliver profitable growth and customer value. Success is measured by portfolio and category performance, supplier and brand partnership effectiveness, assortment productivity, pricing execution, talent development, business-plan execution, Canadian business alignment, and the overall effectiveness of the Category Management organization. The role leads and develops Senior Category Business Managers, Category Business Managers, and the Senior Manager of QBP Canada. It establishes performance expectations, organizational standards, processes, and development plans; oversees departmental planning, budgets, and resources; and presents portfolio recommendations, risks, and priorities to senior leadership. Travel domestically or internationally may be required up to eight times annually. The position involves extensive computer and telephone use and participation in customer, supplier, company, and industry meetings and events.

Requirements

Demonstrated success leading a significant commercial, merchandising, category management, or portfolio function with business-wide impact.
Deep understanding of bicycle industry dynamics, customer needs, supplier relationships, market trends, and the independent bicycle retailer channel.
Significant bicycle industry experience, or expertise in closely related industries combined with a passion for cycling and advancing the bicycle industry.
Proven success managing complex product portfolios, category strategies, and supplier partnerships.
Significant leadership experience, including leading managers, developing talent, and building high-performing teams.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic business plans that drive profitable growth and improved market performance.
Strong business and financial acumen, including sales, margin, inventory productivity, pricing, and profitability management.
Experience leading strategic supplier negotiations and executive-level supplier relationships.
Proven ability to influence and align cross-functional teams and senior leaders in a matrixed environment.
Strong analytical, decision-making, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process improvement, and capability-development initiatives.
Ability to balance strategic leadership with effective day-to-day execution.
Ability to travel domestically or internationally up to eight times annually.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and passport and fulfill the requirements of being a QBP Approved Driver.
Ability to perform work extensively using a computer and telephone and to participate in customer, supplier, company, and industry meetings and events as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Merchandising, Product Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
Experience leading large, multi-category product portfolios and complex supplier networks.
Experience supporting Canadian or international business operations.
Experience developing succession plans and organizational capabilities.
Advanced degree or relevant executive leadership development.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of category, supplier, and brand strategies across QBP’s distribution portfolio.
Build and strengthen strategic supplier and brand relationships; lead executive-level supplier discussions, business reviews, negotiations, and growth initiatives.
Guide supplier portfolio decisions, partnership priorities, commercial opportunities, assortment, and pricing strategies.
Own distribution portfolio performance, including sales, margin, inventory productivity, profitability, and market share.
Set portfolio performance expectations, KPIs, and objectives; lead business reviews and ensure accountability to performance plans.
Identify portfolio risks, growth opportunities, and market changes; drive corrective actions and portfolio adjustments when needed.
Use data, customer insights, and market intelligence to evaluate supplier, category, and brand performance and inform investment, pricing, assortment, and growth decisions.
Lead, coach, and develop Senior Category Business Managers, Category Business Managers, and the Senior Manager of QBP Canada.
Set performance expectations, accountability measures, and development plans; build leadership capability, succession readiness, and organizational depth.
Recruit, develop, and retain talent while fostering accountability, collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Establish and maintain Category Management standards, processes, tools, and best practices; lead organizational and process improvements.
Lead annual category planning and goal-setting, translate strategies into executable plans and measurable outcomes, and monitor and adjust execution.
Align category priorities with enterprise objectives and long-term portfolio strategy; present portfolio recommendations, opportunities, risks, and priorities to senior leadership.
Lead and develop the Senior Manager of QBP Canada and align Canadian priorities, assortment, pricing, supplier, inventory, and growth strategies with enterprise and portfolio objectives.
Monitor Canadian business performance, growth opportunities, risks, and strategic initiatives, ensuring Canadian market needs are represented in decisions.
Develop and manage departmental plans, budgets, and resource requirements; recommend staffing, training, and capability-building investments.
Monitor department performance and spending against approved plans, manage travel and discretionary expenses within budget, and recommend ways to address resource constraints.
Model QBP’s core values and DEI mission by helping create a respectful workplace where everyone has a voice and opportunity to thrive.