National Category Manager – Distribution

Job Description

We are seeking a National Category Manager – Distribution for our Mississauga Branch who will be responsible for Developing & Implementing Category Strategies for Internal & external customers working with Suppliers, branches / Sales teams, Procurement & business leaders in each division.

Key responsibilities

1. Category Management

(Organize and maintain the product category tree and nomenclature so the business can better mine the data to address problems)

• Review & Recommend stock packages
• Review product demands & sales performance
• Recommending external affiliations in which to participate – industry related conferences & seminar session for staff/ specialists i.e. Light-Fair, BICSI,
• Source and evaluate new products and/or vendors to enhance our product line. Ensure product/suppliers deliver ROI. Oversee both initial product/supplier introduction working with marketing, procurement, operations and sales.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales on the promotional plan that will deliver budgeted sales and gross profit within the assigned category.
• Negotiate program terms and conditions, pricing, bulk discounts, promotional costing.
• Devise long term development strategies for product categories incorporating sales and profitability targets
• Recommend affiliation alignments to position Nedco as a leader within the category

2. Market Analysis

• Review and analyze various category reports including market data, ensuring that risks and opportunities are identified.
• Monitor competitive activity through branch visits/industry events/trade shows and advertisements to identify opportunities to improve/protect our market share. Ensure we are always competitive.
• Understand the structure of supplier distributor alignments/ relationships/strategies and determine if they complement or pose a threat to our business goals.
• Identify new and future trends of the category.
• Develop and review promotional and awareness campaigns with manufacturers

3. Supplier Relations

• Negotiate vendor agreement/better buys contracts with new and existing vendors that result in competitive and attractive pricing for Nedco, that meet our required gross profit guidelines, and that maximize the discounts available to the company.
• Secure & manage necessary Market Development Funds (MDF) to support sales initiatives.
• Conduct annual reviews of suppliers within the category. Ensure suppliers respect the policies and buying conditions of the company.
• Build strong vendor relations that are mutually beneficial.
• New supplier & or product recommendations
• Develop trust relationships with vendors to achieve better pricing and quality of services.

4. Communication

• Effective communications & Key point of contact for branches/sales teams, AP & Procurement, Marketing & Pricing
• New product and or Supplier launches
• Conduct and effectively manage Sales performance reviews with Suppliers and management group
• Develop communication to ensure BRANCHES are informed of key information needed to support assigned categories. Answer questions and give them necessary directions regarding products in the category.

5. Special Programs

• Implement and support special programs i.e. AIM, PANPRO, CAC, VIP, Web-Site, PIM & Global Initiatives

Qualifications

• Analytical: Capability to complete market research, analyze sales & margin trends, product phase in/phase out.
• Mathematical: Excellent knowledge of Excel and Word for Windows, including but not limited to, VLOOKUP’s and Pivot Tables.
• Merchandising & Product Promotion
• Affinity to understand the end usage of electrical products. Experience and other competences
• Post-secondary education in Business Management, Marketing, Merchandising or Product Management.
• Minimum 3 -5 years of experience in the product category role.
• Excellent negotiation, oral/written communication & presentation skills/ Time management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced, dynamic and demanding environment is critical.
• Creativity, adaptability, team player and self-motivated
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external groups.
• Attention to detail.

Additional Information

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is CAD 100K-130K. Final compensation within this range will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This range does not include variable pay or other components of Rexel’s total rewards package.

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.