Senior Category Leader

BLACKHAWK INDUSTRIAL OPERATING CO• US,

2d•$145,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Category Leader is responsible for owning the performance of the Round Cutting Tools category, including developing and executing strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, market share expansion, and supplier alignment. This category leader owns the category strategy, pricing strategy, supplier management, assortment optimization, and commercial execution for both national brands and BlackHawk private label offerings within the category. The Senior Category Leader partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and supplier partners to identify growth opportunities, support strategic customer initiatives, and deliver business results. This position serves as the primary business owner for the Round Cutting Tools category.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
10+ years of experience in industrial distribution, manufacturing, category management, product management, or related commercial leadership roles.
Significant experience within the metalworking industry, including deep knowledge of Round Cutting Tools.
Demonstrated success managing strategic supplier relationships and business performance.
Strong commercial, financial, analytical, and negotiation skills.
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic business plans.
Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
Strong project management and organizational capabilities.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented environment.
Experience managing large product categories within industrial distribution.
Working knowledge of tooling, workholding, metalworking applications, and manufacturing processes.
Experience partnering with senior and executive leadership teams.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA or related discipline).
Experience leading cross-functional strategic initiatives.
Strong understanding of industrial distribution market dynamics and channel strategies.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the strategic vision and business plan for the Round Cutting Tools category and related metalworking product categories as assigned.
Drive revenue growth, gross margin improvement, and market share expansion.
Identify and prioritize growth opportunities across products, suppliers, markets, and customer segments.
Establish annual objectives, business plans, and performance targets.
Manage category profitability and key performance indicators.
Evaluate market trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and assortment opportunities.
Conduct regular category reviews and business performance assessments.
Lead initiatives that improve category effectiveness, operational execution, and overall business performance.
Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key supplier partners.
Lead joint business planning activities and supplier growth initiatives.
Negotiate marketing programs, supplier investments, and growth opportunities.
Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement efforts.
Align supplier strategies with BlackHawk's growth objectives and customer needs.
Partner closely with Sales leadership to identify opportunities, remove barriers, and accelerate category growth.
Support strategic customer opportunities and key account initiatives.
Lead category positioning, assortment optimization, pricing strategies, and supplier alignment.
Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, eCommerce, and Sales teams to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
Provide category expertise and guidance to internal stakeholders and customers.
Serve as a key member of the Category Management leadership team.
Influence and collaborate effectively across multiple functions and organizational levels.
Lead strategic projects and initiatives that impact business performance.
Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus.

Benefits

Health Insurance BCBS of OK HDHP
HSA with Employer match (must meet criteria)
Dental and Vision Insurance
401K Plan and Company Match
FSA (Full FSA, Limited FSA, and Dependent FSA)
Company paid Long Term and Short-Term Disability
Company paid basic Life Insurance and AD&D/
Supplemental life and AD&D/Dependent life
Ancillary Critical Illness Insurance (Wellness Rider Included)
Ancillary Accident Insurance (Wellness Rider Included)
Ancillary Hospital Indemnity
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Includes concierge services and travel assistance.
Paid Time Off
Holiday Paid Time Off
Gym Reimbursement
Quarterly Wellness challenge with a chance to will money or prizes
Tuition Reimbursement – after 1 year of employment