Category Manager Analyst

About the Company

Founded in Denver in 1987, QED provides high-quality electrical products and services to the industry. QED employs over 500 associates across 18 branches within Arizona and Colorado to serve commercial and residential contractors, industrial facilities, and OEM businesses. At QED, we embrace what makes us unique. As a company with local roots and global reach, we excel at the diversity of our associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success.

About the Role

The Strategic Commodity Quotations Specialist is responsible for driving profitable commodity growth for the organization, with the primary focus on large and complex wire and conduit opportunities. The position manages quote opportunities and awarded commodity sales orders by working closely with the Director of Purchasing, partner vendors, QED Operations leadership, and the sales department to ensure customer needs are met while maintaining profitability.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate, develop, and execute a comprehensive commodity category strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Monitor market dynamics including commodity trends (e.g., copper, steel, pvc) and supply chain risks.
• Serve as stakeholder in strategic supplier relationships, including negotiations, contracts, rebates, and long-term partnership agreements.
• Drive sourcing initiatives to improve total landed cost, margin performance, and working capital efficiency.
• Coordinate, prepare, and close commodity opportunities in response to RFQs.
• Partner with the sales team to book orders based on market feedback, customer needs, and vendor support.
• Manage commodity orders from PO through final fulfillment.
• Serve as the local expert for commodity services and solutions.
• Promote and develop new services to differentiate QED Electric in the marketplaces that we serve.
• Analyze competitor products, services, and pricing to identify strategic opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with the sales teams, branch managers, and regional sales leadership.
• Oversee purchasing activities to ensure efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.
• Update Purchase Orders as shipments arrive and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations.
• Evaluate supplier performance across pricing, service levels, lead times, quality, and innovation.
• Leverage data and analytics to track category performance, supplier metrics, inventory turns, and overall financial outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field required.
• 5–8+ years of experience in commodity category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement, preferably within electrical distribution, manufacturing, or industrial supply.
• Experience managing electrical product categories such as wire & cable preferred.

Skills

• Strong understanding of electrical products, supply markets, and industry dynamics.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• High level of integrity and ability to build effective relationships.
• Proven ability to implement and influence change across functional groups.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel or analytics tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a multi-branch or multi-region electrical distribution environment.
• Exposure to national supplier programs and rebate structures.

Location: Mesa, AZ

Benefits

• Healthcare plans
• Dental & vision
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs
• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)