Category Manager - Distribution

You’ve discovered something special. A company that cares. Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully growing to meet market demands. And ─ as “one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” ─ is focused on the mind/body/soul of team members through our Culture of Care.

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that improve supplier relationships, understand market characteristics, align with organizational goals, and drives value.  This role owns the performance of assigned product or service categories by leveraging data analytics, supplier partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize assortment, pricing, promotions, and sourcing strategies. We are seeking a candidate with strong analytical and financial acumen, including experience evaluating market dynamics and supply trends to inform strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate brings proven negotiation expertise and demonstrated success in supplier relationship management, along with strong contract development and administration skills. Advanced proficiency in Excel and other data analysis tools is essential, as is familiarity with ERP systems and reporting platforms. Additionally, the candidate should have the ability to define, develop, and implement effective processes and procedural structures that support operational excellence and continuous improvement. The Category Manager acts as the strategic lead for their category, aligning business objectives with customer needs and market opportunities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.

Experience: 3–7+ years of experience in category management, procurement, or related field.

Travel: 25 - 30%

Work Schedule: Works a sufficient schedule to meet the expectations of the role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and executes short- and long-term category strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Analyzes market trends, forecast trends, competitive landscape, and supplier financial performance.
• Understands enterprise level supplier costs, spend, and demand.
• Determines category plan that provides insights into industry capacity, quality, cost, lead times, and performance.
• Leads category reviews and present performance insights to business and sourcing teams.
• Monitors KPIs and proactively identifies risks and opportunities.
• Develops pricing strategies to maximize margin and competitiveness.
• Forecasts demand and support inventory and capacity planning to optimize supply chain needs and requirements.
• Identifies, evaluates, and negotiates with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Builds strong supplier relationships and establishes enterprise-level contracts that minimize risk.
• Evaluates supplier performance and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to improve cost, quality, and service.
• Partners with Engineering, Program Management, Businesses Leadership, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of category initiatives.
• Supports new product launches, strategic sourcing initiatives, and business growth strategies.
• Provides category expertise to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Optimizes supplier requirements  based on forecast, demand and performance data.
• Leads new strategic supplier introductions and discontinuation decisions.
• Understands commodity fluctuations and trends.
• Identifies innovation opportunities and emerging trends within the category.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

The job description and responsibilities described are intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

How Does FTI Give YOU the Chance to Thrive?

If you’re energized by new challenges, FTI provides you with many opportunities. Joining FTI opens doors to redefine what’s possible for your future.

Once you’re a team member, you’re supported and provided with the knowledge and resources to achieve your career goals with FTI. You’re officially in the driver’s seat of your career, and FTI’s career development and continued education programs give you opportunities to position yourself for success.

FTI is a “merit to the core” organization. We recognize and reward top performers, offering competitive, merit-based compensation, career path development and a flexible and robust benefits package.

Benefits are the Game-Changer

We provide industry-leading benefits as an investment in the lives of team members and their families. You’re invited to review the full list of FTI benefits available to regular/full-time team members. Start here. Grow here. Succeed here. If you’re ready to learn more about your career with FTI, apply today!

Faith Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – veterans/disabled.