Category Analyst | Hybrid in Greater Chicago Area

Description The Category Analyst position is responsible for the development and implementation of category specific strategies and leads projects to larger revenue growth. Responsibilities include overall management and success of a high-performance categories of non-consumable products related to Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks business segments. The ideal candidate will have success in developing and managing strategic relationships with domestic and import manufacturers to maximize product profitability throughout its lifecycle. This position is also responsible for managing strategic supplier relationships and defining the appropriate brand strategy for the categories assigned. Responsibilities: Ownership of assigned product category performance and management of the overall health of the portfolio. Innovative in the marketspace to work to develop new opportunities to increase our footprint across new categories for Bunzl Retail Services, Strategic engagement with supplier communities to develop and implement initiatives that enable profitable growth. Monitor the health of assigned categories and manage the product lifecycle. Develop category and market expertise that allows the organization to effectively compete in target market segments; this includes market trends and competitive analysis, as inputs to the development of our assortment strategy. Leverage market intelligence to validate and benchmark costs. Monitor market needs and trends, competitive products, and the changing production schedules of approved manufacturers to improve competitive positioning. Work to develop "Top Value Collection” product opportunities that include best performance, customer acceptance, and continuous improvement. Develop product costing policies and negotiate best cost vendor programs to improve product positioning while improving margin. Rationalize and consolidate product lines to improve inventory turns and create volume cost improvement opportunities. Manage on-going supplier relationships and execute supplier performance management initiatives in accordance with standards and guidelines and in collaboration with business partners. Manage multiple projects and initiatives within assigned categories with the ability to meet defined timelines and provide proactive status communication to business partners. Establish category ownership with internal and external stakeholders. Support sales staff with special product requirements and costing. Work to improve go-to-market strategy and speed of new product implementation. Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent required Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. 4+ years’ experience in Category Management or relevant business experience is required. Distribution experience strongly preferred. Experience in Packaging/Corrugated, Janitorial, Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks a plus. Proven track record of taking ideas from the ground up to launch. Solid knowledge of marketing and sales principles Solutions oriented thinker and doer Excellent oral and written communication skills Demonstrated highly developed experience in negotiation and best in class practices. Strong ability to assess and manage contractual, operational, financial and business risk. Working knowledge of the raw materials used in food service, janitorial and processor packaging is preferred with an existing working relationship with packaging material manufacturers is preferred. Ability to effectively work across a matrix global organization. A strong ability to create a partnership atmosphere with internal and external resources while achieving key operating. Exceptional EQ and influencing skills are required; Ability to work collaboratively across multi-functional teams. A strong relationship builder who can foster excellent relationships and gain credibility quickly across all levels of the organization. Demonstrated ability leading through the ability to develop and drive recommendation through the organization, showing initiative across functions. Strong communication and interpersonal skills Possess strong planning, organizational and time management skills, as well as strong analytical problem-solving skills. Multi-task with the ability to change direction quickly and often. Proficient in Microsoft Office mandatory (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) Compensation: Salary Range $65K - $70K annual depending upon education and experience, with up to a 10% bonus opportunity. The perks of being a Bunzl team member don’t stop being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future. Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits first of the month following 30 days Flex Care and Health Care Spending Account Life Insurance Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time Parental Leave 401K with generous company match Tuition Reimbursement program Bunzl North America is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to exceed $10 billion in sales. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunzl operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 10,000 team members and over 400,000 supplies, Bunzl is recognized as a leading supplier across North America—and proudly certified as a Great Place to Work® . At Bunzl, you’ll find Unlimited Potential… Your Career - - Our Future! Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.