Manager, Product Category Management- Concrete, Accessories & Chemicals

WCM White Cap Management LLC; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

White Cap Management LLC in the Atlanta area seeks a senior category leader to own a profitable growth strategy, operational plan, and financial objectives for assigned product categories. You will lead assortment planning, drive supplier development, and negotiate favorable terms to optimize performance.

This hybrid role requires 7+ years in a related field, a BS/BA in a related discipline, and cross-functional collaboration with purchasing, operations, and sales.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a related field with strong business sense.
• BS/BA in a related discipline is typically required; advanced degree may offset less experience.
• Certification may be required depending on role.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategies and business plans for assigned categories.
• Ensure accurate and competitive pricing across the category.
• Execute the business review process and steer assortment decisions.
• Lead supplier development and negotiate terms to optimize margins.
• Oversee forecasting, inventory, and relation with supply chain for current programs.
• Manage full P&L responsibility with emphasis on sales and EBITDA.
• Influence assortment guidelines and supplier portfolio across the organization.

Skills

Category management

Supplier development

Negotiation

Pricing strategy

P&L management

Forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Education

BS/BA in related discipline

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

A position at White Cap isn’t your ordinary job. You’ll work in an exciting and diverse environment, meet interesting people, and have a variety of career opportunities. The White Cap family is committed to Building Trust on Every Job. We do this by being deeply knowledgeable, fully capable, and always dependable, and our associates are the driving force behind this commitment.

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and delivering on a profitable growth strategy, operational plan and financial objectives for a product category or categories. Responsible for managing the direction and financial objectives for a product category or categories. Lead and implement the assortment planning from business performance review to developing suppliers to supplier negotiations. Create operational plans and work with key merchandising and field resources to drive item selection and pricing for a category or categories. Develop suppliers and negotiate terms.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities, and Key Accountabilities

Develops strategies and business plans for respective categories, supported by executable initiatives that deliver results in line with short- and long-term goals. Ensures accurate and competitive pricing across the category. Executes the business review process. Decides which items to send to product line review; when new products should be included in the assortment mix; leverages supplier relationships to optimize assortment; and works with key support functions to ensure completion. Understands key business drivers for a category/categories (e.g. historical performance, industry/competitive landscape, consumer identification, etc.) to support category sales growth. Assumes full P&L responsibility with emphasis on sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and EBITDA. Makes key decisions on sourcing and developing new suppliers, and negotiating terms. Recommends product pricing guidelines consistent with pricing strategy. Influences assortment guidelines and parameters. Manages supplier strategy (e.g. import vs domestic, national vs local, branded vs proprietary, etc.) and executes the supplier portfolio. Oversees visual representation of the product lines in all marketing material including catalogs, etc. Collaborates with purchasing and operations on forecasting and supply chain set-up for all merchandising fixtures for current and new programs. Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations from governing agencies, including Federal and State Import/Export Regulations. Ensures compliance with internal Supply Environmental Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Nature and Scope Solutions require analysis and investigation. Achieves planned results by decisions and actions based on professional methods, business principles, and practical experience. Manages a group or team of professional individual contributors and/or indirectly supervises support staff.

Work Environment

Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and objectionable. Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles. Typically requires overnight travel 20% to 50% of the time.

Education and Experience

Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline. Generally 7+ years of experience in a related field. May require certification. Advanced degree may offset less experience in some disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working within a distribution business (industrial, building products, or related two-step distribution model), with an understanding of distributor economics, branch operations, and field sales dynamics. Experience in the concrete, construction chemicals, or building products industry, ideally with direct exposure to specialty chemical suppliers (admixtures, curing compounds, sealers, waterproofing products). Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing complex supplier commercial programs — including rebate structures, enterprise distribution center allowance agreements, and product line reviews — with the ability to model financial impact and defend positions with data. Strong track record of contributing in group settings — comfortable challenging assumptions, leading discussions, and presenting recommendations. Experience supporting or leading harmonization, integration.

This is a hybrid position. Eligible candidates residing in the greater Atlanta area will be asked to work two days a week in our Doraville, GA Field Support Center. If you’re looking to play a role in building America, consider one of our open opportunities. We can’t wait to meet you.

White Cap and its affiliates serve as a one-stop shop, providing concrete accessories and chemicals, tools and equipment, building materials and fasteners, erosion and waterproofing products, and safety products to professional contractors by meeting their distinct and customized supply needs in non-residential, infrastructure, and residential end markets. White Cap operates approximately 500 branches across North America with more than 11,000 employees supporting approximately 200,000 customers. For more information about White Cap, visit about.whitecap.com.