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, customer/vendor 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 activities.
• Support new product development by assisting with packaging creation and partnering with Catalog and Marketing teams to add new part numbers to assortments.
• Coordinate the collection of eCommerce digital assets and other vendor-related requirements.
• Research and support new vendors for products entering the market, including opportunities identified by the Sales team.
• Support vendor line reviews.
• Manage vendor program activities.
  • Maintain the master vendor program matrix to provide visibility for Category Management and Finance.
  • Create vendor templates for new products and new part numbers brought to market.
  • Assist with vendor cost changes and template updates for new part numbers.
  • Update ERP vendor instructions, including terms, discounts, prepaid minimums, and related details.
  • Update ERP defective and return policies by vendor.
  • Assist with new vendor setup activities.
• Maintain data warehouse information and related category management data.
• Incorporate market analysis data to develop and maintain business plans for product categories.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in business intelligence tools, including Qlik, ERP systems such as A+/Sage, and project management platforms such as Monday.com.
• Communicate product information updates to the Sales team through SharePoint.
• Assist in responding to product-related questions from the Sales team.
• Engage cross-functionally with Global Sourcing, Marketing, Sales, and Inventory Planning/Forecasting.

This job description reflects management's 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 outcomes.
• Learn and adapt quickly while anticipating and removing obstacles to drive impact.
• Analyze raw data and translate insights into actionable category recommendations.
• Maintain a professional image and positively represent the company.
• Work independently while effectively managing time, multiple projects, and shifting priorities.
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service skills.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1–3 years of experience in Product Management, Category Management, Buying, or a related team environment.
• Proficiency working with databases and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning systems.