Category Manager I - U.S. AutoForce

POSITION SUMMARYThe 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

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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
• 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

U.S. Venture will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H-1B, TN, E-3, F1,  CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, visa status and other employment‑based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis and must not require U.S. Venture’s sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States. In general, U.S. Venture does not sponsor candidates for nonimmigrant visas or permanent residency except when there is a specific business need.

U.S. Venture will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of an executed recruitment Master Service Agreement, there will be no obligation to any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without an agreement, U.S. Venture shall reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, shall be deemed the property of U.S. Venture.

U.S. Venture, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristic. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call Human Resources at (920) 739-6101.

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