Category Manager

The Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association (GHRA); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association (GHRA) is seeking a results-driven Category Manager to join our Supply Chain team in Houston, TX. This role focuses on developing category strategies, managing supplier partnerships, and optimizing purchasing systems to drive profitability.

You will negotiate terms, analyze market trends, and collaborate with vendors to expand offerings while ensuring product availability and competitive pricing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in retail or wholesale purchasing with manufacturers, distributors, or alternative buying sources.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing purchasing decisions, product pricing, and category profitability.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and meet business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that support business growth and profitability.
• Manage purchasing activities, product selection, pricing, and category performance.
• Identify new products, emerging trends, and opportunities to expand product offerings.
• Evaluate product performance and determine which items to introduce or discontinue.
• Analyze market trends, sales data, and purchasing opportunities to make informed business decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, vendor agreements, payment terms, and promotional programs.
• Manage vendor contracts, rebates, allowances, and promotional funding.
• Evaluate supplier performance to ensure costs, availability, and quality.
• Develop and manage category budgets, revenue goals, and profit margins.
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Partner with warehouse operations to address slow-moving and discontinued inventory.
• Maintain accurate product information, including costs, packaging, suggested retail pricing, and projected margins.

Skills

Retail purchasing

Vendor management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Planning & organization

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field

Job description

Reports To: VP of Supply Chain Operations

GHRA is looking for a results-driven Category Manager to join our Supply Chain team!

GHRA is one of the nation's leading independent convenience store cooperatives, operating a full-service warehouse and distribution center that supports convenience store retailers.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on our business by managing product categories, developing supplier partnerships, optimizing purchasing strategies, and driving profitability.

What You'll Do

Category Management & Purchasing

• Develop and execute category strategies that support business growth and profitability.
• Manage purchasing activities, product selection, pricing, and category performance.
• Identify new products, emerging trends, and opportunities to expand product offerings.
• Evaluate product performance and determine which items to introduce or discontinue.
• Analyze market trends, sales data, and purchasing opportunities to make informed business decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, vendor agreements, payment terms, and promotional programs.
• Manage vendor contracts, rebates, allowances, and promotional funding.
• Evaluate supplier performance to ensure competitive costs, product availability, and quality.
• Develop and manage category budgets, revenue goals, and profit margins.
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Partner with warehouse operations to address slow-moving and discontinued inventory.
• Maintain accurate product information, including costs, packaging, suggested retail pricing, and projected margins.

Merchandising & Promotions

• Develop promotional strategies, seasonal programs, and merchandising opportunities.
• Collaborate on planogram development using market trends and sales performance.
• Work with internal teams and suppliers to execute successful product launches and promotional programs.
• Provide regular reporting and recommendations to improve category performance.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail or wholesale purchasing, working with manufacturers, distributors, or alternative buying sources.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing purchasing decisions, product pricing, and category profitability.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and meet business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Experience in category management, wholesale distribution, or retail merchandising.
• Familiarity with inventory management, product assortment planning, and promotional strategies.