at CDW LLC in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The Category Manager manages a team that focuses on the pre-determined product categories assigned. This role drives profitability and revenue through the integration and development of programs for product and partners within the CDW portfolio. The incumbent evaluates, creates, executes and measures opportunities around the CDW product and partner mix. The Category Manager is responsible for all areas of partner management and partner investment including COOP, VIR and financial programs. This role aligns CDW and assigned partners' marketing plans, along with owns, manages, and develops all assigned key partner relationships, and works closely with segment and sales leaders to develop customer segment focus strategies.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Provide leadership to coworkers through coaching, feedback, development goals, and performance management
Own and maximize PCM - Partner Controllable Margin
Establish pricing strategies, monitors competitive activity, oversees product information and identifies customer needs
Responsible for the creation of customer offers
Oversee the development of marketing plans for their product portfolio
Responsible for maximizing revenue, profit and vendor co-op for specific product category(s) through planning and marketing
Manage and interface with partners to develop or enhance the marketing of product(s) or product line(s)
Lead and direct merchandising activities
Assess and understand competitive landscape and adjust direction as needed
Manage SKUs per product categories
Identify emerging technologies and industry trends within the category and adjust the plan accordingly
Act as an escalation point and liaison between the vendor and CDW
Engage with Purchasing to help forecast sales, assist with promotional buy in opportunities with partners and communicate shifts in market pricing to help with buying decisions
Responsibilities
Approve content for respective manufacturer ads
Create and maintain an annual business plan
Lead efforts to increase customer and account manager penetration for their category(s)
Up to 20% travel
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Information Technology, Marketing or related field
5 years of product management, marketing, supply chain, or product management vendor finance experience
Prior experience coaching or mentoring others
Other Required Qualifications
Proven track record in product management/marketing a product line(s)
Strong cross-functional team skills
Strong strategic and executional leader
Demonstrated financial and analytical skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels
History of building and maintaining relationships
Strong conflict resolution skills with the ability to be persuasive
The ability to multitask effectively and see projects through from inception to completion
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Demonstrated ability to master a product portfolio.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience managing others
7 years of product management, marketing, supply chain, or product management vendor finance experience
MBA
Experience in Business to Business marketplace
CDW is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
