Category manager Jobs in Kingston, ON

Join Rexel: A Global Leader in Electrical Distribution
Rexel is a world leader in the electrical distribution market, operating in 18 countries and leveraging a network of 1,950 branches and 27,000 employees. We provide innovative electrical solutions and equipment for the industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. As the energy industry evolves, our business is transforming alongside it. This change is driven by you—our fresh thinkers, innovators, and groundbreakers. By collaborating closely with our customers and partners, Rexel is dedicated to delivering exceptional value to our employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. Together, we are building sustainable performance and shaping a better future.

Rexel Canada operates under five distinct banners: Rexel Atlantic, Rexel Utility, Westburne, Nedco, LTL and Talley.

DESCRIPTION

The Distribution Manager reports to the Vice President of Operations and Logistics and is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Wire & Cable distribution area across two locations. This role manages the end-to-end distribution process — including order selection, packing, loading and delivery — and is also responsible for related activities such as receiving, verification, stock replenishment and handling product returns. Working closely with the national WMS team, the Distribution Manager continually optimizes WMS functionality and warehouse processes to ensure operational efficiency.

As the primary operational leader for the Wire & Cable distribution centers, the Distribution Manager maintains direct contact with distribution staff and indirectly supervises and coordinates the work of all employees attached to these locations. The role includes direct management of the remote DC team through the remote warehouse manager and requires carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws and regulations.

The Distribution Manager is accountable for meeting the Company’s customer service standards and achieving the cost center’s targeted expense budgets, while ensuring that warehouse layout, inventory controls, staffing, training, health and safety practices, and internal business controls support both service and financial objectives.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Oversee all distribution area operations, ensuring work schedules support consistent workflow that meets or exceeds customer service standards; enforce and monitor established procedures and staffing levels to meet production requirements.
• Analyze performance data, compile productivity reports, and present results to senior management; conduct weekly meetings with area supervisors and the remote location manager to review issues and implement solutions.
• Ensure employees are trained on processes, sub-processes, equipment use, material handling and maintenance; develop and update policies and procedures to support Total Quality.
• Maintain and promote proper health and safety practices at all levels within the warehouse and ensure compliance with company safety standards.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and guidelines while optimizing warehouse layout (shelving, racking and staging) with regard to productivity, inventory turnover, size, weight and other operational factors.
• Maintain internal business controls to support operational goals and customer service standards.
• Identify purchasing requirements for equipment, machinery and supplies; evaluate new technologies and attend trade shows as needed to improve efficiency.
• Arrange shipping schedules to meet customer and branch requirements; prepare reports on commitment levels, maintenance schedules, vehicle mileage and the transportation of dangerous goods.
• Ensure all vehicles and transportation activities comply with provincial and federal legislation; document and report repairs and maintenance for trucks, machinery and equipment.
• Maintain and review performance across functional departments within the distribution area; identify improvement opportunities and notify the Facilities Manager as appropriate.
• Lead recruitment activities for the distribution area, including interviewing and hiring personnel.
• Provide direction, coaching and leadership to distribution staff and remote teams; maintain a positive work climate and resolve employee concerns or complaints.
• Enforce company policies and procedures specific to inventory control, delivery, security and safety; investigate inventory discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee fixed-asset practices in the warehouse: prepare budget recommendations, execute authorized purchases, and ensure safeguarding of assets.
• Monitor distribution-area expenses, implement corrective actions to control or reduce costs, and assist in preparing the annual budget in accordance with company guidelines.

Skills & Qualifications:

• University degree in a relevant field, plus a minimum of eight (8) years of industry-related experience, including at least five (5) years in a management capacity — or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous WMS super-user experience is a definite asset.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence for employees and senior management.
• Confident public speaker; able to present information clearly to groups of customers or employees and gain buy-in.
• Professional stakeholder management skills; able to liaise with business stakeholders across the country to determine and prioritize operational needs.
• Comfortable taking charge in difficult situations; able to make tough decisions and provide clear direction during a crisis.
• Remains calm under pressure, manages stress effectively, and is a stabilizing influence in challenging situations.
• Committed to meeting internal and external customer expectations; builds and maintains trusted customer relationships and uses customer feedback to improve services.
• Sets clear direction and stretch objectives, allocates work appropriately, plans and organizes tasks, and maintains open dialogue on performance.
• Strong product knowledge, computer skills, material-handling expertise, and sales/service understanding relevant to the role.
• Comfortable with complexity and conceptual thinking; quick, agile, and intellectually sharp.
• Assigns responsibility clearly, sets measurable objectives, monitors progress and results, and provides timely, objective feedback.
• Driven to completion; persistent in the face of resistance or setbacks.
• Prioritizes effectively, uses time efficiently, and focuses on the most critical tasks.
• Must follow all Rexel Canada health and safety policies, procedures and regulations (see Rexel Canada Health & Safety Manual).
• Ensure employees and contractors are trained in, and adhere to, all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Accountable for overseeing operations of Wire & Cable distribution centers and managing the end-to-end distribution process (selecting, packing, loading, delivering).
• Responsible for handling related processes including returns, receiving, verification, and stock replenishment.
• Evaluated on meeting customer service standards and maintaining targeted expense budgets.

What We Offer:

• Our employees enjoy a positive work-life balance while thriving in an environment that is dynamic and motivated by new and exciting challenges.
• We provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits plans, and pension plans, along with a remarkable range of career opportunities—whether advancing in your current field or exploring something entirely new. If you’re motivated, we’ll help you find the career path that suits you.
• Rexel Canada is committed to Employment Equity and values a diverse workforce, recognizing each employee's unique talents and skills.

What Is Next?

• If this position aligns with your career goals, click "Apply" to submit your application.
• We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
• For additional career opportunities, please visit www.rexel.ca.