Category Manager

Primary Function:

Product Line Expansion for Zoro is a core part of our strategy. We desire to have all products for all business customers so we need to continuously add new products. As a member of the Emerging categories this role plays a highly strategic role in the future of Zoro. Emerging Categories are a key contributor to our growth in both sales and category expansion. Categories that are currently considered in our Emerging group include (but not limited to) Hardware & Building Materials, Fasteners, Paints Coatings & Supplies, Adhesives & Tapes, Abrasives & Polishers, Welding, Soldering & Brazing, Power Transmission, Vehicle Maintenance, Electronics, Test Instruments & Gauges, Lab Equipment & Supplies, Food Service & Restaurant Supplies, Grounds & Outdoor, Medical & Personal Care, Furniture Linens & Decor and Raw Materials. 

Category Manager’s success will be defined by unlocking the future portfolio with identification and development of new supplier relationships as well as accelerating the sales of the existing portfolio of products. We expect our Category Managers to be thought leaders, able to think big and create a scalable vision, and be able to solve problems unique to their categories to be successful. The Category Manager is responsible for suppliers and categories but in addition you will be hands-on in general management of your lines and you’ll touch many areas within Zoro. As such, you’ll need strong internal influence skills to build and maintain relationships and understand many of the inner workings of our business. Being an e-commerce company we have vast amounts of data that you’ll need to be able to digest and turn into actionable plans to manage your business. A successful candidate will be able to be an effective communicator, highly influential, have the ability to think big, bias for action, strong business acumen and lead with curiosity. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand vertical market segments, what it takes to be successful and evaluate if/how Zoro is able to participate in the segment.
• Demonstrate solid data analytics skills to be able to mine data, understand the drivers of your business, and create appropriate strategies.
• Understand customer needs and be an advocate for them to make sure their experience is excellent when they buy from Zoro.
• Understand how and why customers use certain products including various technologies and brand differences. 
• Prospect, contact, and sell the Zoro model to new suppliers to encourage them to come on board.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to achieve a fast launch to market with the highest level of success while managing within operational capabilities and profitability.
• Manage supplier relationships and be able to operationalize suppliers on our platform and drive sales and profitability.
• Drive your business with a high sense of urgency.
• Learn and manage all the sales levers within Zoro to engage the right ones at the right time to achieve the growth we need to achieve.
• Demonstrate ability to repeatedly take on new categories, find opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to Zoro success.
• Demonstrate Zoro Values and contribute to the positive development of the culture within our team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. MBA or equivalent preferred
• 7-10 years of experience in a related field is required
• Experience in MRO distribution, online marketplaces, wholesale, and E-Commerce preferred
• Expertise in negotiating contracts and establishing new supplier relationships required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment
• Strong financial acumen and ability to communicate complex deal terms in a clear and compelling manner 
• Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills  
• Computer skills include building presentations, analyzing data, communicating information, and internet search techniques