Director, Category Management - Residential

Job purpose

Director of Category Management is a lead role in defining and supporting the implementation of regional and market level product strategies within a specific categorical line of business (Residential). The focus of responsibilities will be the development of strategic programs and management of divisional product/category/vendor management that supports the operational growth to top line, profitability, and optimization of inventory investment. The Director of Category Management will be responsible for the onboarding, development, and talent review for their team. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Product Management.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Work with Demand Planning to develop demand forecasts based on demand patterns and business trends and communicate outward to vendor partners
• Track category supplier performance. Implement a measurement process, conduct periodic reviews, and institute continuous improvement programs as required.
• Execute supply agreements with category suppliers
• Manage vendor and item master data in conjunction with Master Data Organization
• Lead change management process for rationalization efforts on assigned categories
• Develop effective direct and indirect relationships to actively engage stakeholders in each region/division
• Develop strategic plans by category and lead cross-functional teams to achieve desired results
• Manage working capital targets for assigned categories.
• Partner with VP-Inventory Planning and Replenishment (IPR) to co-manage efficient inventory levels that support forecasted goals
• Assist leaders with identified market needs to provide a consistent product and service platform within all locations to effectively sell category products
• Ensure there are effective internal tracking and measurements necessary to effectively support the financial targets at all levels
• Ensure effective inventory management techniques are in place to meet service level expectations
• Develop a strong relationship with manufacturers to effectively negotiate and execute the company’s strategy in each market
• Communicate contractual commitments across the company and represent Beacon in the external marketplace
• Understand and use national and market knowledge and work with leadership and direct reports to develop strategic management of vendor/product at the national, divisional, regional, and market levels including management of product portfolio.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to add additional private label offerings to the Beacon brand, ensure compliance with codes and labeling requirements

Qualifications

• Demonstrated successful experience working in a demanding, high performance work environment and team-oriented culture
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or other technical discipline
• Sales and Operations experience, preferred
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive company programs and processes
• Comprehensive knowledge of business acumen, financial concepts, and procedure
• 7+ years' experience with a minimum of 5 years in Product Management, Category Management Procurement, Strategy, Finance, Engineering, Consulting, or Operations
• Proficient skill with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Tableau
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to successfully operate in a highly matrixed environment, to effectively communicate with and influence all levels of the organization
• Experience with category management, strategic sourcing, category planning, private label, customer care and supplier relationship management
• Professional written and verbal communication skills

Working conditions

• Work assignments may be completed remotely and/or available company offices/branches within respective markets
• Moderate travel requirements as needed for business purposes

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and/or keyboard
• Heavy methods of verbal and auditory communication via phone, virtual calls, and/or email