Category Manager

Rexel Canada Electrical Inc. is a world leader within the electrical distribution market. We operate in 38 countries, conduct business through a network of 2,300 branches and rely on the support of 30,000 employees internationally to provide electrical solutions and equipment within the industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. Throughout the world, Rexel is accelerating electrical advances in close collaboration with its customers and partners.

We are currently looking for a **Category Manager **for our **Rexel Atlantic Head Office** in **Dartmouth NS**. The Category Manager is responsible for Developing & Implementing Category Strategies for Internal & external customers working with Suppliers, branches / Sales teams, Procurement & business leaders in each division. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

**Responsibilities**:
**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.

**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.

**Supplier Relations**
- Negotiate vendor agreement/better buys contracts with new and existing vendors that result in competitive and attractive pricing for Rexel, 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.

**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.
- Min 3 -5 years’ experience in the product category role or similar
- 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

**We offer**:

- Competitive salary, benefits and pension packages
- A stable and safe work environment
- Opportunities for growth and development
- Employee bonus plan

**How to Apply**:
If this is the right position for you, click apply.