Strategic Category Leader

Vallen Distribution; Belmont (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match up to 6%

Employer-paid Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Job summary

Vallen is seeking a Category Manager to lead assortment strategies across assigned product categories, partnering with Sales, IT, Sourcing and Supply Chain to optimize pricing, supplier performance, and profitability.

The role focuses on developing and executing category plans that meet customer needs and enterprise goals, driving growth and efficiency in a dynamic environment. Strong collaboration and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required and 3–5 years in category management, sourcing, merchandising, or product management.
• Solid analytical and financial skills with experience evaluating sales, margin, and inventory performance.
• Ability to execute category plans and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive positioning.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across functions; supplier relationship management experience.
• Experience with ERP systems and data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau).

Responsibilities

• Assortment Management: Manage core and extended product assortments based on customer demand and supplier capabilities.
• Category Planning & Execution: Develop and execute category plans including assortment changes and supplier negotiations.
• Supplier Management: Manage supplier relationships and performance reviews.
• Analytics & Reporting: Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to monitor performance and identify trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Sales, Sourcing, Marketing, and Operations for alignment on initiatives.
• Market & Product Insights: Monitor trends and opportunities; support new product introductions and lifecycle management.
• Financial Performance Support: Support margin, inventory, and working capital objectives through pricing actions and supplier programs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial acumen

Cross-functional collaboration

Ability to manage multiple initiatives

Strategic thinking

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Vallen is seeking a Category Manager to lead assortment strategies across assigned product categories, partnering with Sales, IT, Sourcing and Supply Chain to optimize pricing, supplier performance, and profitability.

The role focuses on developing and executing category plans that meet customer needs and enterprise goals, driving growth and efficiency in a dynamic environment. Strong collaboration and analytical skills are essential.