Manager, Product Category Management- Concrete, Accessories & Chemicals

White Cap Management•Atlanta, GA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for leading and delivering on a profitable growth strategy, operational plan and financial objectives for a product category or categories. Responsible for managing the direction and financial objectives for a product category or categories. Lead and implement the assortment planning from business performance review to developing suppliers to supplier negotiations. Create operational plans and work with key merchandising and field resources to drive item selection and pricing for a category or categories. Develop suppliers and negotiate terms.

Requirements

Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline.
Generally 7+ years of experience in a related field.
May require certification.
Advanced degree may offset less experience in some disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a distribution business (industrial, building products, or related two-step distribution model), with an understanding of distributor economics, branch operations, and field sales dynamics.
Experience in the concrete, construction chemicals, or building products industry, ideally with direct exposure to specialty chemical suppliers (admixtures, curing compounds, sealers, waterproofing products).
Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing complex supplier commercial programs — including rebate structures, enterprise distribution center allowance agreements, and product line reviews — with the ability to model financial impact and defend positions with data.
Strong track record of contributing in group settings — comfortable challenging assumptions, leading discussions, and presenting recommendations.
Experience supporting or leading harmonization, integration.

Responsibilities

Develops strategies and business plans for respective categories, supported by executable initiatives that deliver results in line with short- and long-term goals.
Ensures accurate and competitive pricing across the category.
Executes the business review process.
Decides which items to send to product line review; when new products should be included in the assortment mix; leverages supplier relationships to optimize assortment; and works with key support functions to ensure completion.
Understands key business drivers for a category/categories (e.g. historical performance, industry/competitive landscape, consumer identification, etc.) to support category sales growth.
Assumes full P&L responsibility with emphasis on sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and EBITDA.
Makes key decisions on sourcing and developing new suppliers, and negotiating terms.
Recommends product pricing guidelines consistent with pricing strategy.
Influences assortment guidelines and parameters.
Manages supplier strategy (e.g. import vs domestic, national vs local, branded vs proprietary, etc.) and executes the supplier portfolio.
Oversees visual representation of the product lines in all marketing material including catalogs, etc.
Collaborates with purchasing and operations on forecasting and supply chain set-up for all merchandising fixtures for current and new programs.
Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations from governing agencies, including Federal and State Import/Export Regulations.
Ensures compliance with internal Supply Environmental Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.