Solar Category Manager

Overview

The Category Manager is responsible for defining and supporting product strategies within a specific categorical line of business (e.g., Residential, Commercial, Complementary, Waterproofing). This role involves analyzing market trends, managing supplier relationships, developing pricing strategies, and improving product placement to maximize customer satisfaction and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Utilize national and market knowledge to work with leadership in developing strategic vendor/product management at national, divisional, regional, and market levels, including portfolio management.
• Develop strategic plans by category and lead cross-functional teams to achieve desired results.
• Collaborate with Demand Planning to develop demand forecasts based on demand patterns and business trends and communicate insights to vendor partners.
• Manage vendor and item master data in conjunction with the Master Data Organization.
• Execute supply agreements with category suppliers.
• Monitor category supplier performance, implement measurement processes, conduct periodic reviews, and establish continuous improvement programs as needed.
• Foster strong relationships with manufacturers to negotiate and execute the company’s strategy in each market.
• Support leadership in addressing market needs to provide a consistent product and service platform across all locations to enhance category product sales.
• Ensure effective inventory management techniques to meet service level expectations.
• Establish internal tracking and measurement systems to effectively support financial targets at all levels.

Key Attributes and Competencies

• Highly energetic, self-starter with the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a time-sensitive, project-driven, team-based environment.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities with a high level of attention to detail.
• Adaptable to a rapidly changing business environment.
• Team player who upholds confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Detail-oriented in generating reports and analyzing data.
• Experienced in extensive cross-functional collaboration and strategic sourcing best practices.
• Hands-on, operationally oriented, and value-driven approach.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain roles.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and trends.

Job Location:

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Veteran Friendly Employer. SRS Distribution believes in hiring military veterans at any level for any position.  We know your service trained you in many of the areas we value, such as; leadership, teamwork, performance, integrity, and safety. If your experience matches our requirements, we want you to apply today.