Sr. Manager of Category Management - Specialty

Essential Functions

• Lead the development and execution of category strategies, operating plans and roadmaps, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and omnichannel merchandising, to achieve revenue, margin, and market share growth targets
• Oversee sourcing and commercial execution (RFIs/RFPs) and supplier management including risk analyses, competitive pricing, service levels, and adherence to supplier governance and procurement practices and align cross-functionally on pricing architectures and promotions that improve profitability
• Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle; inform innovation and product introduction, monitor adoption, and lead rationalization decisions ensuring alignment to customer demand and business goals
• Manage category performance management through KPIs, scorecards, business reviews and analytics, translating insights into actionable plans that improve sales, profitability, and operational efficiency
• Drive data-informed decision-making by synthesizing internal and syndicated data, customer insights, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform category plans
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance and vendor partners to align category strategies with broader business objectives and ensure effective execution
• Establish and enhance category management processes, tools, and best practices, championing continuous improvement and scalability across the function
• Build organizational capacity by strengthening team capabilities, enabling effective use of skills, supporting recruiting and onboarding, and improving processes, tools, or workflows to enhance performance and achieve organizational objectives

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent education and/or experience
• 8 years category management, sourcing, or procurement experience
• 3 years of leadership or people management experience

Skills and Abilities

• Proven experience of category trends, regulatory considerations, and supply chain dynamics
• Solid understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and supply chain considerations
• Advanced analytical and financial acumen; ability to interpret and translate complex data into concise recommendations
• Strong business acumen, sourcing and negotiation skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to effectively influence and deliver concise information to internal and external stakeholders
• Strong project and change leadership skills; ability to prioritize initiatives, manage dependencies, and lead process improvements
• Experience building organizational capacity and developing team capabilities and skills