Director of Category Management
An automotive distributor is seeking a Director of Category Management to join their team.
Work-Model: fully on-site 5 days a week
Compensation: $190,000 to $210,000 plus bonus
Position Overview
The Director of Category Management is a strategic leader responsible for end‑to‑end product procurement and full category ownership. This role drives margin optimization, vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and category‑level sales enablement while ensuring all purchasing initiatives support broader financial and growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of brands aligned with the organization's strategic direction, financial targets, and operational efficiency.
- Drive category growth in partnership with Sales and Marketing.
- Set departmental standards for creative, innovative solutions that strengthen vendor partnerships and enhance industry positioning.
- Serve as the subject matter expert on purchasing tools, systems, and methodologies; leverage system capabilities to meet short‑ and long‑term goals.
- Identify and implement system enhancements to improve inventory management, data accuracy, and operational efficiency.
- Execute recurring purchasing responsibilities with a high degree of discipline and accuracy.
- Ensure strong data integrity and parts compliance in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
- Partner with leadership to support unified business strategy and represent the Purchasing function in executive and cross-functional settings.
- Align closely with Finance on budgeting, cash flow, and P&L initiatives.
- Lead, mentor, and develop team members to support both business needs and career growth.
- Foster a team culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Manage departmental resources within budget.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Extensive knowledge of the automotive and/or powersports aftermarket, including market dynamics and key players.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and business‑acumen skills.
- Proven success building and sustaining impactful vendor partnerships.
- Experience with P&L responsibility in a leadership capacity.
- Strong organizational, time‑management, and influencing skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Advanced Excel proficiency for analysis and reporting.
- Solid understanding of supply chain and purchasing principles.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in buying, category management, or a similar B2B leadership role.
- Bachelor's degree in Business or related field.
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