Manager - Category Management

As a Manager - Category Management, you will be responsible for category strategy planning and overseeing execution of supplier growth plans. You will lead the development of customer-centric category plans, working with Sales and Marketing to identify new growth opportunities. You will lead product assortment optimization efforts and new product onboarding. You will manage preferred supplier relationships, providing increased value for both the company and the supplier.

Responsibilities:

- Category strategy: Design strategic programs that position brands within the portfolio and increase penetration in the Utilities market.

- Manufacturer management: Manage pricing, project registrations, rebates, marketing funds, payment terms, training, certifications, and other commercial programs.

- Business development: Serve as the link between sales teams and manufacturers, aligning strategies, opportunities, and growth priorities.

- Profitability and growth: Take full ownership of brand management, profitability of assigned lines, and their organic or inorganic growth.

- Commercial intelligence: Keep price lists, databases, customer tiers, sales forecasts, and other business management tools up to date.

- Inventory: Define and monitor inventory levels for launches, projects, and growth plans.

- Field technical support: Support product specification, provide technical assistance, and visit sites, projects, and substations to validate that recommended solutions meet technical and commercial needs.

Supplier development: Identify and onboard new manufacturers and suppliers through special pricing programs and favorable conditions for WESCO, Anixter, and EECOL.

Experience and Technical Knowledge

- Proven experience in the electric power sector, preferably in Utilities, power transmission, and distribution.

- Practical knowledge of substation equipment, including power and distribution transformers; switches and switching equipment; medium- and high-voltage equipment; and outdoor substation equipment.

- Knowledge of protection, control, and automation systems will be considered a differentiator.

- Experience with manufacturers, distributors, EPC companies, contractors, or end users in the electric power segment.

- Familiarity with technical specifications, bids, and the development of electrical infrastructure projects.

- Preferred experience in Category Management, Product Management, Business Development, technical marketing, or business line management.

Qualifications:

- Bachelors 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

Tools

- Intermediate-advanced Excel.

- Intermediate-advanced PowerPoint.

- Previous experience with Access preferred.