Category Manager, Strategy

Brief Position Summary
The Category Strategy Manager is responsible for executing the Category strategy through implementation of tactics, assessing results, and adapting based upon outcomes. Implementation activities can be grouped in four major disciplines: strategy management, vendor relationships, category marketing, and cross‑functional collaboration. Key activities include key vendor relationship management and negotiation, product line value proposition, and annual tactics planning.

Duties and Responsibilities

Product Line Ownership:

Ownership of all suppliers within assigned product line(s)

Responsible for population of suppliers that make up sales of assigned product line(s)

Resolves conflict with internal partners or external suppliers or escalates to next leadership level

Fosters the MSC culture in the department and throughout the company to ensure fulfillment of MSC's vision and unity of purpose

Participation in special projects and performs additional duties as required

Manage day‑to‑day activities of Product Line (to include, but not limited to)

Provides supporting category and industry expertise, data, and insights for product lines used to define the strategy for the Category: (8‑step process), with emphasis on setting, implementing, and adapting tactics:

Define Category

Assess Role of Category

Assess Category Performance

Set Objectives and Targets

Devise Strategy

Set Tactics

Implement Tactics

Review and Adapt

Tactics Planning and Implementation:

Participates in annual planning process. Creates customer solutions for assigned product lines and lead execution in partnership with sales

Provides feedback and collaborates with the Category Operations team to continually improve processes

Participates in cross‑function initiatives to drive the business, serving as the SME for the assigned product lines

Incorporates change management as the strategy evolves

Helps execute cross‑functional plan(s) for assigned product lines incorporating sales, marketing, supply chain, and any other necessary key functions

Vendor Management:

Negotiates with and manages key suppliers; builds strategic growth plans and aligns goals with key strategic partners

Resolves contract‑specific conflicts

Articulates product line value propositions and whitespace

Manages product, brand, and vendor rationalization

Collaborates with the Category Operations team to implement pricing strategy

Review Results:

Monitors product line contribution margin (sales, cost, coop negotiation, supply chain opportunities)

Identifies and leads execution of actions to drive growth

Prepares thorough vendor performance reviews

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a Related Field; Master’s Level preferred.

Minimum of five years industry experience in distribution, supplier management and negotiations, business development, distribution, product management, marketing or merchandising management, supply chain is required.

Ability to manage cross‑functional initiatives required.

Experience managing associates preferred.

MS Office proficiency required.

Skills

Strong execution focus; drive for results required.

Prioritizes deliverables and allocates resources appropriately required.

Ability to remain focused and make decisions through times of ambiguity required.

Solid business acumen, including key financial targets, and knowledge of distribution process required.

Strong customer focus and understanding of their needs and expectations; understands market direction and trends required.

Ability to diagnose problems quickly and works to find solutions required.

Successfully navigates the organization's people and processes to accomplish work efficiently required.

Works cross‑functionally and has effectively participated on cross‑functional teams required.

Skilled at cultivating supplier relationships at a non‑strategic level required.

Comfortable negotiating externally and representing the best interests of the company required.

Strong written and verbal communication with presentation experience required.

Other Requirements

A valid driver's license and the ability to travel up to 10% of the time may be required.

Compensation starting at $84,800 - $130,319 depending on candidate location and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any category protected by applicable law. Accommodation requests can be made at any stage of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements known.

Please note that MSC uses electronic monitoring and system logs in its workplace, including monitoring of Company‑provided systems and collaboration tools, as permitted by applicable law.

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