Bachelors Degree in Business, a related field, or the equivalent experience
3-8 years experience in product management or purchasing in a related industry
Excellent analytical, problem solving, process improvement, communication, and organizational abilities
Able to deal with a variety of people and situations in a positive, open-minded, and results oriented manner
Category Manager - U.S. AutoForce at Usventure
Detail, results, and team oriented as well as professional under stress
Ability to think strategically and translate a vision into a solid measurable marketing/sales program
Strong analytical skills including a good understanding of the budgeting process, cost control, price and profit dynamics, profit margin retention strategies, and statistics
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
Good problem solving, negotiation and communication skills
Ethical and trustworthy
Valid driver's license
DIVISION :
U.S. AutoForce
Benefits
Vision insurancePerformance bonus
Additional Information
POSITION SUMMARY
The Category Manager I will manage a group or category of products for U.S AutoForce, a division of U.S. Venture. This role will be responsible for overall product management to increase sales and profitability of the business to drive sustainable growth. The individual must have full comprehension of marketing and sales principles.
The Category Manger I will coordinate the division's marketing mix at the direction of direct supervisor to achieve assigned Gross Margin ROI (GMROI) and targeted inventory turns and fill-rates on assigned product lines. Additional responsibilities include managing product, coordinating projects and activities for marketing of assigned products and associated added value programs.
This position is located onsite at our Corporate Headquarters in Appleton, WI.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Devise long term development strategies for product categories
Manage trusting relationships with suppliers to maximize overall relationship opportunities on product, pricing, services, promotions, co-op management
Develop and maintain Supplier scorecard and monthly data metrics
Develop strong working relationships with Sales, Program Managers, Customer Service, Accounting and Operations to promote growth, efficiency and profitability of category
Facilitate proper inventory management to meet consumer demand- product and POP
Authorize the positioning of a product category to maximize visibility and profitability
Analyze data or insights to determine industry and consumer trends
Counsel pricing on selling price based on agreed upon margin and ROI goals in a manner that allows for maximum gross profit generation
Approve annual marketing and co-op plans with Promotions Manager
Execute annual promotional marketing plan with Promotions Manager
Approve sustainable inventory levels with buying group
Facilitate E-Commerce parts activities with parts GM
Execute promotional activities with Marketing Managers
Counsel Accounting on rebate and volume bonus program management
Facilitate internet product marketing issues with IT
Manage associate dealer programs and data flow to sales
Approve and develop new part numbers to the inventory model
Proven systems analysis and troubleshoot problems related to inventory software
Develop exit strategy for unsuccessful product
Participate in Trade show planning and implementation
Ensure accurate pricing and perform purchase price variance corrective action
Perform other related duties as required and assigned