Category Manager

Work Location Type: Hybrid

About the role

Imperial Supplies, a Grainger Company, is a national distributor of quality maintenance products. Serving the fleet maintenance industry since 1958, Imperial has formed lasting relationships with customers by tailoring our services to meet their changing needs. Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. As a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, we’re looking for a passionate Category Manager to lead the success of assigned product categories, driving revenue growth, profitability, customer satisfaction, and innovation.

In this role, you'll act as the business owner for your categories, developing and executing category strategies, managing product lifecycles, partnering with suppliers, and collaborating across Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Inventory Management, and Distribution.

Responsibilities

• Own the financial performance (P&L) of assigned product categories, driving revenue growth and margin improvement.
• Develop and execute category strategies, including assortment planning, private label initiatives, and product positioning.
• Lead product lifecycle management from new product introductions to growth optimization and product discontinuation decisions.
• Analyze customer needs, market trends, competitive offerings, and pricing to identify opportunities and inform category strategy.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Sourcing, Product Acquisition, Inventory Management, and Distribution teams to execute category initiatives and business plans.
• Manage stocked and drop-ship assortments to ensure a competitive, customer-focused product offering.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, and supply reliability.
• Support supplier selection, onboarding, and performance management activities.
• Develop and enhance customer-focused product programs that address evolving market needs.
• Drive new product launches and program introductions with clear revenue and profitability objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, and overall category performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of Product Management, Category Management, Product Marketing, or related experience.
• Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Benefits

• Hybrid schedule with an expectation of two days per week in office.
• Immediate medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 18 days paid vacation and 7 paid holidays.
• 6% of annual earnings contributed to your retirement, immediately vested.