Job Description

The Category Manager will lead all aspects of an assigned supply chain category, including purchasing strategy, Inventory planning, pricing, promotions, and alternative options, and vendor relationships. This role partners closely with customers, sales, and supply chain teams to maximize category performance by minimizing material risks and optimizing profitability. This role will support a demanding hyperscale data center customer product.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze data, market insights, and vendor insight to identify category opportunities and risks.
• Develop and execute category strategies around purchase order structure (e.g. VMI, phase delivery etc) and inventory level.
• Manage component assortments and make competent lifecycle decisions. Communicate component lifecycle risks to end customer.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers and vendors.
• Coordinate daily with Production Supervisor, and Material Manager to ensure 100% clear to build status.
• Work with the vendors to maintain product availability and keep the ERP/MEP system update with accurate data for production/Inventory planning
• Lead supply chain strategy for new product launches. Stay current on market trends, competitor activity, and customer response.
• Report out inventory levels and clear-to-build status to senior management.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with customers and senior leaders.
• Creative thinker with strong problem-solving ability.
• Competitive mindset and awareness of market trends and competitor activity.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to forecast material availability.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 2+ years of procurement or supply chain experience.
• Basic awareness of electrical component markets and vendors
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field.

PREFERRED EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Competency in Electrical Components
• Experience in product development and product management.
• CPSM or CPM certification preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Offered Benefits

• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long term Disability insurance
• Voluntary benefits
• FSA and HSA
• PTO

W-Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We ensure that no applicant for employment or employee is denied an equal opportunity based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

W-Industries is a participant of E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.