Category Manager

Global Industrial; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Industrial is seeking a Category Manager to own category strategy for core product lines in a fast-paced distribution environment. You will collaborate with Marketing, Digital Merchandising, and Supply Chain to optimize pricing, assortment, and promotions across channels.

Drive supplier negotiations, performance metrics, and strategic sourcing to improve profitability and customer value. The role requires 5+ years in category management or related field, a strong analytic mindset, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, supply chain or related field.
• 5+ years of category management, merchandising, sourcing, procurement, or related experience.
• Experience with industrial, MRO, or adjacent product categories preferred.
• Proven track record of revenue growth, margin improvement, and supplier performance.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills; data-driven decision maker.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute data-driven category and subcategory strategies aligned with company objectives and long-term growth initiatives.
• Own category financial performance, including sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and market share growth.
• Analyze customer trends, market dynamics, competitive positioning, and business performance to identify risks, opportunities, and growth initiatives.
• Establish category roadmaps, business plans, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and measurable results.
• Lead annual planning processes, including revenue, margin, assortment, and supplier strategies.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Data analysis

Project management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Global Industrial

About Global Industrial

Global Industrial Company (NYSE: GIC) is a leading distributor of high-quality, industrial-strength equipment and supplies, serving organizations of all sizes across a wide range of industries. With more than 75 years of experience, customers rely on us for our broad portfolio of national and private brands, trusted service, and strong value proposition.

We help customers keep their operations running by delivering the right products when they need them-because We Can Supply That.

Why Join Global Industrial

At Global Industrial, we're One Team committed to delivering value and empowering our associates to grow. Our culture is built on:

• Meritocracy & Pay for Performance - Your impact drives your rewards
• High Say-Do Ratio - We follow through on our commitments
• Career Growth & Internal Mobility - We invest in your future
• Collaboration & Accountability - One team delivering real results

Make an impact. Be recognized. Grow your career with us.

Global Industrial - Delivering Value Starts Here

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Business Ownership

• Develop and execute data-driven category and subcategory strategies aligned with company objectives and long-term growth initiatives.
• Own category financial performance, including sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and market share growth.
• Analyze customer trends, market dynamics, competitive positioning, and business performance to identify risks, opportunities, and growth initiatives.
• Establish category roadmaps, business plans, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and measurable results.
• Lead annual planning processes, including revenue, margin, assortment, and supplier strategies.

Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing

• Build and manage strategic supplier partnerships that support category objectives and enhance competitive advantage.
• Lead negotiations for supplier agreements, pricing programs, rebates, marketing funds, payment terms, freight initiatives, and exclusive offerings.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies, Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and supplier evaluation processes.
• Monitor supplier performance through scorecards and key metrics, ensuring service, quality, and profitability standards are met.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers to fill assortment gaps and support growth opportunities.

Assortment & Private Brand Management

• Optimize category assortment through lifecycle management, product rationalization, and new product introductions.
• Identify market opportunities and customer needs to expand category offerings and improve conversion.
• Develop and execute exclusive and private brand strategies to strengthen differentiation and improve profitability.
• Ensure product specifications, data quality, content, imagery, and merchandising attributes support an exceptional customer experience across all channels.

Pricing, Profitability & Analytics

• Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, profitability, and customer value.
• Conduct competitive analysis and monitor pricing trends, market indices, and industry conditions.
• Analyze spend, sales, margin, inventory, and supplier performance data to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings.
• Recommend inventory and stocking programs that improve product availability, reduce lead times, and maximize working capital efficiency.
• Track and communicate category performance through regular business reviews and reporting.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Marketing and Digital Merchandising teams to develop promotional strategies, campaigns, and customer acquisition initiatives.
• Collaborate with Inventory Management and Supply Chain teams to improve forecasting accuracy, inventory productivity, and service levels.
• Support Sales teams with product expertise, customer insights, and competitive positioning.
• Drive continuous process improvement and system enhancements that improve effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability.
• Lead or participate in special projects supporting departmental and enterprise-wide initiatives.

Team Development

• Serve as a mentor and subject matter expert for Product Managers and other team members.
• Support onboarding, training, and development initiatives to strengthen team capabilities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus.

Competencies and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of category management, merchandising, sourcing, procurement, or related commercial experience.
• Experience managing industrial, MRO, facility maintenance, Office & School Supplies, Furniture, or adjacent product categories preferred.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth, margin improvement, and supplier performance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Advanced negotiation, supplier management, and contract management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into actionable business strategies.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with eCommerce merchandising, digital marketing, product content management, and catalog management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and other business analytics tools.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset and strong attention to detail.

EEO/AA Statement

Global Industrial provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.