SUMMARY: The Category Manager is responsible for leading the strategic direction and performance optimization of assigned product categories of light, medium, and heavy-duty truck parts and accessories. This role involves lifecycle management of assigned categories, including strategic sourcing, product selection, supplier negotiation, pricing strategy, promotional planning, and inventory optimization. The Category Manager works cross-functionally with Purchasing, Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to execute go-to-market strategies and support customer needs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Cateogry Strategy & Planning
• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with company objectives and market trends.
• Build annual category business plans focused on growing revenue, margin, and GMROI.
• Lead annual line reviews and present recommendations to executive leadership.
• Pricing & Profitability
• Establish and maintain cost strategies and selling price recommendations to optimize gross margin return on investment (GMROI).
• Monitor and respond to cost changes, market pricing trends, and competitive positioning.
• Inventory & Lifecycle Management
• Manage full product lifecycle, including new product introductions, and SKU rationalization.
• Collaborate with purchasing and supply chain to optimize inventory levels, turn rates, and service levels.
• Promotions & Marketing
• Work with marketing and sales to develop promotions, product launches, and campaigns.
• Provide product content, specifications, and positioning for catalogs, digital platforms, and sales materials.
• Own the supplier relationship.
• Build, maintain, and optimize strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate cost savings, payment terms, rebates, and growth incentive programs with suppliers.
• Data Analytics
• Use data-driven insights to manage SKU productivity, category performance, and supplier contributions.
• Support catalog and data management teams in ensuring accurate ACES & PIES data for all assigned categories.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, marketing, or related field
• In lieu of a degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong understanding of medium and heavy-duty truck components and market dynamics.
• Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, BI platforms); experience with ERP and PIM systems preferred.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without authority.
• Travel up to 35%-domestic and international.
• Experience managing direct reports, including performance and development.

• Cateogry Strategy & Planning
• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with company objectives and market trends.
• Build annual category business plans focused on growing revenue, margin, and GMROI.
• Lead annual line reviews and present recommendations to executive leadership.
• Pricing & Profitability
• Establish and maintain cost strategies and selling price recommendations to optimize gross margin return on investment (GMROI).
• Monitor and respond to cost changes, market pricing trends, and competitive positioning.
• Inventory & Lifecycle Management
• Manage full product lifecycle, including new product introductions, and SKU rationalization.
• Collaborate with purchasing and supply chain to optimize inventory levels, turn rates, and service levels.
• Promotions & Marketing
• Work with marketing and sales to develop promotions, product launches, and campaigns.
• Provide product content, specifications, and positioning for catalogs, digital platforms, and sales materials.
• Own the supplier relationship.
• Build, maintain, and optimize strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate cost savings, payment terms, rebates, and growth incentive programs with suppliers.
• Data Analytics
• Use data-driven insights to manage SKU productivity, category performance, and supplier contributions.
• Support catalog and data management teams in ensuring accurate ACES & PIES data for all assigned categories