Category Analyst | Greater Chicago Area
$70,000–$85,000 year
HybridMorton Grove, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Own assigned product category performance and manage the overall health of the portfolio for non-consumable segments including Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks. Develop and implement category-specific strategies to drive revenue growth, while establishing category ownership with internal and external stakeholders. Monitor market trends, competitive products, and manufacturer schedules to improve competitive positioning and validate benchmark costs. Rationalize product lines to enhance inventory turns and negotiate vendor programs to improve margins and product costing policies. Manage ongoing supplier relationships, execute performance initiatives, and support sales staff with special product requirements and go-to-market strategies. Lead multiple projects within assigned categories, providing proactive status communication to business partners while driving recommendations through the organization.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Bachelor's degree
- 4+ years' experience in Category Management or relevant business experience
- Proficient in Microsoft Office mandatory (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
- Solutions oriented thinker and doer
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated highly developed experience in negotiation and best in class practices
- Strong ability to assess and manage contractual, operational, financial and business risk
- Ability to effectively work across a matrix global organization
- Exceptional EQ and influencing skills
- A strong relationship builder who can foster excellent relationships and gain credibility quickly across all levels of the organization
- Demonstrated ability leading through the ability to develop and drive recommendation through the organization, showing initiative across functions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Possess strong planning, organizational and time management skills, as well as strong analytical problem-solving skills
- Multi-task with the ability to change direction quickly and often
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Distribution experience
- Experience in Packaging/Corrugated, Janitorial, Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks
- Proven track record of taking ideas from the ground up to launch
- Solid knowledge of marketing and sales principles
- Working knowledge of the raw materials used in food service, janitorial and processor packaging
- existing working relationship with packaging material manufacturers
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