Category Manager Analyst - Mesa, AZ or Denver, CO

QED; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Dental & vision

Paid time off

401(k) retirement with match

Professional development

Opportunity to become a shareholder

Disability insurance

Life insurance for dependents

Wellness program

Gym reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

EAP

Job summary

QED, a multi-branch electrical distributor, seeks a Category Manager Analyst to drive profitable growth in wire and conduit commodities. The role partners with Purchasing leadership, vendors, and sales to meet customer needs while maintaining profitability.

Requires 5–8+ years in commodity category management, strong data analytics, and ERP proficiency. Location options include Mesa, AZ or Denver, CO, with full-time employment and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field required.
• 5–8+ years of experience in commodity category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement.
• Experience with electrical product categories such as wire & cable preferred.
• Strong understanding of electrical products, supply markets, and industry dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate, develop, and execute a comprehensive commodity category strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Monitor market dynamics including commodity trends (e.g., copper, steel, PVC) and supply chain risks.
• Stakeholder in strategic supplier relationships, including negotiations, contracts, rebates, and long-term partnership agreements.
• Drive sourcing initiatives to improve total landed cost, margin performance and working capital efficiency.
• Coordinate, prepare, and close commodity opportunities in response to RFQs.
• Partner with the sales team to book orders based on market feedback, customer needs, and vendor support.
• Manage commodity orders from PO through final fulfillment.
• Serve as the local expert for commodity services and solutions.
• Promote and develop new services to differentiate QED Electric in the marketplaces that we serve.
• Analyze competitor products, services, and pricing to identify strategic opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with the sales teams, branch managers, and regional sales leadership.
• Oversee purchasing activities to ensure efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.
• Update Purchase Orders as shipments arrive and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations.
• Evaluate supplier performance across pricing, service levels, lead times, quality, and innovation.
• Leverage data and analytics to track category performance, supplier metrics, inventory turns, and overall financial outcomes

Skills

Data-driven decision making

Negotiation skills

Verbal & written communication

Analytical thinking

Integrity

Change leadership

ERP proficiency

Excel analytics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Founded in Denver in 1987, QED aims to provide high-quality electrical products and services to the industry. QED employs over 500 associates across 18 branches within Arizona and Colorado to serve commercial and residential contractors, industrial facilities, and OEM businesses.

At QED, we embrace what makes us unique. As a company with local roots and global reach, we excel at the diversity of our Associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success. What keeps us at the forefront of progress? OUR PEOPLE. No matter where they work or who they are, we trust their individual skills and qualities and give them everything they need to reach their full potential.

Position Summary

The Category Manager Analyst is responsible for driving profitable commodity growth for the organization, with the primary focus on large and complex wire and conduit opportunities. The position manages quote opportunities and awarded commodity sales orders by working closely with the Director of Purchasing, partner vendors, QED Operations leadership, and the sales department to ensure customer needs are met while maintaining profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate, develop, and execute a comprehensive commodity category strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Monitor market dynamics including commodity trends (e.g., copper, steel, pvc) and supply chain risks
• Stakeholder in strategic supplier relationships, including negotiations, contracts, rebates, and long-term partnership agreements
• Drive sourcing initiatives to improve total landed cost, margin performance and working capital efficiency.
• Coordinate, prepare, and close commodity opportunities in response to RFQs
• Partner with the sales team to book orders based on market feedback, customer needs, and vendor support
• Manage commodity orders from PO through final fulfillment
• Serve as the local expert for commodity services and solutions
• Promote and develop new services to differentiate QED Electric in the marketplaces that we serve.
• Analyze competitor products, services, and pricing to identify strategic opportunities
• Build strong relationships with the sales teams, branch managers, and regional sales leadership
• Oversee purchasing activities to ensure efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services
• Update Purchase Orders as shipments arrive and resolve discrepancies
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations
• Evaluate supplier performance across pricing, service levels, lead times, quality, and innovation.
• Leverage data and analytics to track category performance, supplier metrics, inventory turns, and overall financial outcomes

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field required.
• Proven performance and results driven leadership
• 5–8+ years of experience in commodity category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement, preferably within electrical distribution, manufacturing, or industrial supply.
• Experience managing electrical product categories such as wire & cable preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of electrical products, supply markets, and industry dynamics.
• Data driven decision making
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• High level of integrity and ability to build effective relationships
• Proven ability to implement and influence change across functional groups
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel or analytics tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a multi-branch or multi-region electrical distribution environment
• Exposure to national supplier programs and rebate structures

Location: Mesa, AZ or Denver, CO

What We Offer You

We Offer Great Family-friendly Benefits To Full-time Associates

• Healthcare plans
• Dental & vision
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs
• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law. Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email [e-mail].

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.