Category Analyst | Hybrid in Greater Chicago Area

About the role

This position is responsible for the development and implementation of category-specific strategies and leads projects to drive larger revenue growth. You will manage high-performance categories of non-consumable products related to Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks business segments. The role involves developing and managing strategic relationships with domestic and import manufacturers to maximize product profitability throughout its lifecycle, as well as defining the appropriate brand strategy for assigned categories.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of assigned product category performance and management of the overall health of the portfolio.
• Innovate in the marketspace to develop new opportunities to increase Bunzl Retail Services’ footprint across new categories.
• Strategic engagement with supplier communities to develop and implement initiatives that enable profitable growth.
• Monitor the health of assigned categories and manage the product lifecycle.
• Develop category and market expertise to effectively compete in target market segments, including market trends and competitive analysis as inputs to assortment strategy.
• Leverage market intelligence to validate and benchmark costs.
• Monitor market needs and trends, competitive products, and changing production schedules of approved manufacturers to improve competitive positioning.
• Develop "Top Value Collection" product opportunities that include best performance, customer acceptance, and continuous improvement.
• Develop product costing policies and negotiate best-cost vendor programs to improve product positioning while enhancing margin.
• Rationalize and consolidate product lines to improve inventory turns and create volume cost improvement opportunities.
• Manage ongoing supplier relationships and execute supplier performance management initiatives in accordance with standards and guidelines in collaboration with business partners.
• Manage multiple projects and initiatives within assigned categories, meeting defined timelines and providing proactive status communication to business partners.
• Establish category ownership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support sales staff with special product requirements and costing, improving go-to-market strategy and speed of new product implementation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 4+ years’ experience in Category Management or relevant business experience.
• Distribution experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in Packaging/Corrugated, Janitorial, Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks is a plus.
• Proven track record of taking ideas from the ground up to launch.
• Solid knowledge of marketing and sales principles.
• Solutions-oriented thinker and doer.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated highly developed experience in negotiation and best-in-class practices.
• Strong ability to assess and manage contractual, operational, financial, and business risk.
• Working knowledge of raw materials used in food service, janitorial, and processor packaging is preferred, along with existing relationships with packaging material manufacturers.
• Ability to effectively work across a matrix global organization.
• Strong ability to create a partnership atmosphere with internal and external resources while achieving key operating objectives.
• Exceptional EQ and influencing skills; ability to work collaboratively across multi-functional teams.
• A strong relationship builder who can foster excellent relationships and gain credibility quickly across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by developing and driving recommendations through the organization, showing initiative across functions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills, as well as analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and change direction quickly and often.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).

Pay

Salary Range: $65K - $70K annual, depending upon education and experience, with up to a 10% bonus opportunity.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits (effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment).
• Flex Care and Health Care Spending Account.
• Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, and Personal Time).
• Parental Leave.
• 401K with generous company match.
• Tuition Reimbursement program.