Category Director

Flexibility Option: Hybrid option available Job Req Id: 32640 Description: Be part of a growing, successful company in an exciting and challenging field. Border States is 100% employee-owned, which means you’re empowered to make decisions, find solutions and receive rewards for your hard work. This position will be located in: Fargo, ND Application Deadline: Please note that the position may be filled before or after the listed application deadline. Applications will only be accepted while the posting remains active. Job Summary The Category Director provides strategic direction and guidance on which vendors and category we align our business with to enhance overall profitability. Leads collaboration with internal and external contacts looking for opportunities to improve overall category and company profitability. Leads the communication of category strategy within company and vendor community. Responsibilities Essential Functions Develops and maintains meeting strategy with our strategic vendors. Leads meetings at industry events (NAED, AD, NAUUD, ISA, etc.). Leads the communication of category strategy within company and vendor community. Provides leadership in executive level vendor meetings. Represents Border States at the distributor advisory council to ensure best practices in the areas of digital strategy, integrating systems, differentiation of partner levels with distributors, to ensure profitability and strength of relationship with peers and partners. Determines, defines, develops, and prioritizes the strategy for category team key performance indicators. Owns the relationship with strategic vendors related to sales growth and profitability. Regularly meets with key vendors and prepares strategies for the company on strategic vendors and product lines in collaboration with all departments. Addresses escalated issues related to price level, mis-delivery, branch authorization, and partner collaboration, as it relates to our vendors relationship. Develops strategic vendor company alignment to ensure the correct vendor and category are aligned. Develops and increases partnership alignment as it relates to various categories to ensure profitability and sales growth. Participates on industry councils to ensure we are up to date on industry trends and new products. Leads the communication plan on key category activities to all departments. Negotiates, ensures renewals, and collects vendor rebate payments of enterprise programs and top tier vendors. Responsible for setting profitability strategy for assigned portfolio of categories. Collaborates with all departments on finding new ways to maximize time, efforts, and profitability to bend the cost curve. Non-essential Functions Finds ways to streamline process improvement for key functions within category management. Develops categories strategies. Develops team and category KPI's. Assists in the strategy development for new category of products. Supports Service Excellence initiatives by supporting Service Excellence training and mentoring opportunities with assigned staff. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or designate. Qualifications 4-year degree in sales, category management, product management, industrial distribution, technical or business degree and 5 years of equivalent experience required. 10 years of experience in category management or industry experience preferred. 4+ years of supervisory experience required. Strong knowledge of electrical, utility, industrial or communication products, and systems required. Knowledge of the SAP materials management system and its reporting capabilities is preferred. Strong working knowledge of PC for Windows, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint), internet, email, and SAP software. Skills and Abilities Excellent, written and verbal communication, reading, and analytical skills. Ability to effectively plan, organize, and negotiate. Ability to effectively present ideas and gain support. Stron…

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