Hybrid Strategic Category Manager – Growth

Wesco; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Wesco is seeking a Manager - Category Management to lead category strategy planning and guide supplier growth initiatives. You will oversee product assortment optimization and onboarding while managing key supplier relationships to drive value for the business.

You will partner with Sales and Marketing to develop strategies, conduct negotiations, and optimize pricing. Strong analytical skills and financial acumen are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Business, Sales, Marketing or relevant field required; Masters Degree preferred
• 5 years experience in sales, marketing, product management
• 5 years of success maintaining and developing key relationships
• 2 years People management and/or product category management experience
• Previous experience in electrical distribution market
• Proven ability to influence cross functional teams
• Analytical and detail oriented
• Excellent business and financial acumen

Responsibilities

• Work cross-functionally to identify first-cost, standard cost, spend, and pricing optimization opportunities
• Conducts supplier contracting for operational and financial terms improvement
• Supports development of an optimized Product Assortment & Merchandizing strategy
• Responsible for supplier contracting to improve operational and financial terms
• Support marketing plan development and execution
• Effectively communicate key product messaging both internally and externally
• Conduct product evaluation and comparisons to identify alternates
• Identify, manage and communicate new product introductions
• Conduct supplier negotiations to obtain best value
• Addresses supplier performance management and issue resolution

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

Relationship building

Communication

Influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing or relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Wesco is seeking a Manager - Category Management to lead category strategy planning and guide supplier growth initiatives. You will oversee product assortment optimization and onboarding while managing key supplier relationships to drive value for the business.

You will partner with Sales and Marketing to develop strategies, conduct negotiations, and optimize pricing. Strong analytical skills and financial acumen are essential for success in this role.