Category Program Manager Private Label

Position Summary 

The Category Program Manager – Private Label is responsible for managing assigned private label sub-categories and supporting category strategy execution through data-driven analysis, product development, sourcing initiatives, and business case development. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams and domestic and international suppliers to identify private label opportunities, optimize product assortment, improve category performance, and drive profitable growth. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage the performance of assigned private label sub-categories by monitoring sales, profitability, and key business metrics. 

• Identify private label growth and margin improvement opportunities, and develop business cases for new product introductions, product conversions, and sourcing initiatives. 

• Support product development initiatives, including product specifications, supplier selection, sampling, and commercialization. 

• Optimize product assortment, SKU rationalization, and product lifecycle decisions to maximize category performance. 

• Participate in domestic and international vendor sourcing and negotiation activities to secure competitive pricing, quality, and supply continuity. 

• Collaborate with Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to execute private label strategies. 

• Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities. 

• Prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations to support strategic decision-making. 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance category efficiency and profitability. 

• Travel internationally as needed to visit suppliers, evaluate manufacturing capabilities, and support product development initiatives. 

Required Skills & Competencies 

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills. 

• Solid understanding of category management and private label principles. 

• Emerging negotiation and supplier relationship management skills. 

• Understanding of product development and international sourcing processes preferred. 

• Ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights. 

• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools; experience with BI platforms is a plus. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Sourcing, or a related field. 

• 3–5 years of experience in Category Management, Product Development, Buying, Procurement, or a related commercial role. 

• Experience developing business cases and analyzing product performance preferred. 

• Experience working with international suppliers or private label products preferred. 

Key Performance Indicators (Success Metrics) 

• Achievement of private label revenue growth and margin targets. 

• Successful development and launch of new private label products. 

• Improvement in SKU productivity and assortment effectiveness. 

• Return on investment (ROI) from private label and sourcing initiatives. 

• Supplier performance, including cost, quality, delivery, and service levels. 

• Timely execution of category strategies and cross-functional initiatives.