Associate Category Manager – Chemicals

Associate Category Manager SUMMARY The Associate Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies designed to drive sales growth profitability market share and operational performance Working closely with the Category Manager this position analyzes business performance market trends competitive activity customer needs and vendor opportunities to identify actionable recommendations The Associate Category Manager will support vendor management pricing and profitability analysis assortment planning new product launches promotional programs customervendor presentations and cross functional initiatives This role will partner with Sales Sourcing Marketing Finance Supply Chain Demand Planning Product Data and other internal teams to ensure category initiatives are executed accurately and on schedule ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential function Manage new item setup activitiesSupport new product development by assisting with packaging creation and partnering with Catalog and Marketing teams to add new part numbers to assortmentsCoordinate the collection of eCommerce digital assets and other vendor related requirementsResearch and support new vendors for products entering the market including opportunities identified by the Sales teamSupport vendor line reviewsManage vendor program activitiesMaintain the master vendor program matrix to provide visibility for Category Management and FinanceCreate vendor templates for new products and new part numbers brought to marketAssist with vendor cost changes and template updates for new part numbersUpdate ERP vendor instructions including terms discounts prepaid minimums and related detailsUpdate ERP defective and return policies by vendorAssist with new vendor setup activitiesMaintain data warehouse information and related category management dataIncorporate market analysis data to develop and maintain business plans for product categoriesDevelop and maintain proficiency in business intelligence tools including Qlik ERP systems such as ASage and project management platforms such as MondaycomCommunicate product information updates to the Sales team through SharePointAssist in responding to product related questions from the Sales teamEngage cross functionally with Global Sourcing Marketing Sales and Inventory PlanningForecastingThis job description reflects managements assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned MARGINAL FUNCTIONS Although not essential to the position the individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested by management REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES An individual qualified for this job must be able to Champion innovative ideas that influence business direction and outcomesLearn and adapt quickly while anticipating and removing obstacles to drive impactAnalyze raw data and translate insights into actionable category recommendationsMaintain a professional image and positively represent the companyWork independently while effectively managing time multiple projects and shifting prioritiesDemonstrate exceptional customer service skillsDemonstrate strong organizational skillsDemonstrate strong verbal and written communication problem solving and presentation skills MINIMUM EXPERIENCE EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS Bachelors degree13 years of experience in Product Management Category Management Buying or a related team environmentProficiency working with databases and Microsoft Office applications including Excel Word and PowerPointExperience working with enterprise resource planning systems