Category Manager

Eis; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

EIS, a leading Electrical Insulation Solutions provider, seeks a Category Manager – Bearings to own the category strategy and supplier relationships across bearings portfolios. The role focuses on revenue growth, margin expansion, and inventory optimization in a dynamic industrial distribution environment.

Ideal candidates combine commercial acumen with bearings knowledge and a track record of cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA/CPIM/CPM preferred.
• 5+ years in category management, product management, or strategic sourcing.
• Experience in industrial distribution or bearings is highly desirable.
• Proven success negotiating with global manufacturers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a 1–3-year category strategy aligned with growth objectives.
• Drive revenue, gross margin, and inventory performance (turns, GM, DOS).
• Lead Joint Business Planning (JBP) with key suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage supply risk.

Skills

Financial acumen

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

MBA/CPM/CPIM preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

Job Description: Summary: The Category Manager – Bearings is responsible for developing and executing the category strategy to drive revenue growth, margin expansion, and working capital optimization within the Bearings portfolio. This role owns supplier relationships, inventory performance, and cross-functional alignment across sales, operations, and finance. The ideal candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with technical product knowledge of bearings (ball, roller, mounted units, specialty bearings), and a deep understanding of distribution dynamics in industrial and MRO markets.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Accountabilities (Include the following; however, other duties may apply.)

Category Strategy & Financial Performance

• Develop and execute a 1–3-year category strategy aligned with company growth objectives
• Drive revenue, gross margin, and inventory performance (turns, GM, DOS)
• Identify white space opportunities, line expansions, and rationalization initiatives
• Lead cost savings initiatives, rebate optimization, and margin improvement programs
• Build and maintain category scorecards and KPIs

Supplier Management

• Serve as primary commercial contact for strategic bearing suppliers (e.g., SKF, Timken, NTN, NSK, Schaffler, RBC, etc.)
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, freight terms, payment terms, and inventory programs
• Lead Joint Business Planning (JBP) with key suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance (OTIF, lead times, quality, cost changes)
• Manage supply risk and dual-source strategies where appropriate

Inventory & Demand Planning

• Collaborate with SIOP/Demand Planning to optimize stocking strategy and safety stock levels
• Manage lifecycle (NPI, phase‑in/phase‑out, obsolescence mitigation)
• Improve forecast accuracy and reduce excess/slow‑moving inventory
• Align stocking strategies with customer segment needs

Pricing & Market Intelligence

• Collaborate with Pricing and Commercial team to develop competitive pricing strategies by segment and channel
• Monitor market trends including steel costs, import pressures, tariff exposure, and competitive activity
• Partner with Sales to support large bids, project pricing, and contract negotiations

Cross Functional Leadership

• Partner with Sales to drive category growth initiatives and training
• Support Marketing on promotions, campaigns, and technical positioning
• Coordinate with Operations to address capacity, lead times, and logistics constraints
• Present category performance updates to executive leadership

Qualifications

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required; MBA or CPM/CPIM certification preferred
• 5+ years of experience in category management, product management, or strategic sourcing
• Experience within industrial distribution is strongly preferred Bearings, or power transmission product knowledge, highly desirable
• Proven success negotiating with global manufacturers.

Technical & Commercial Skills

• Strong financial acumen (margin analysis, rebate modeling)
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel
• Understanding of industrial bearing applications (motors pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, etc)
• Experience managing vendor agreements and contracts

Leadership & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability
• Effective negotiator with executive presence
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Results-driven with high ownership mentality

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Supplier rebate attainment
• Inventory turns & working capital reduction
• On‑time supplier performance
• Cost savings delivered
• New product / line expansion impact

Work Environment

Hybrid Travel up to 25% for supplier visits, trade shows, and customer meetings

EIS Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Founded in 1946, Electrical Insulation Suppliers was established in Atlanta, GA, as a small, family‑owned business serving local motor repair shops. EIS has grown to be North America’s leading specialty distributor, converter, and fabricator of electrical process materials and related parts serving transformer, electric motor, and other electrical equipment manufacturers and their aftermarket, along with electronic, alternative energy, and eMobility markets. As we've grown to serve a broader audience, EIS has adopted new meaning behind our name: Engineered & Industrial Solutions. We have over 900 dedicated employees across our business, including many technical experts on thermal management, electrical insulating, conductive and other key process materials to solve the toughest challenges facing the electrical and electronic industries today. Our broad product portfolio, custom engineered fabrication solutions, supply chain services and deep supplier relationships are the foundation that makes us a vital partner in the manufacturing and supply chain processes of our customers.