Category Manager

Description Company and Role Overview PGW Auto Glass is a leading distributor of automotive glass across North America, powered by a best-in-class logistics and distribution network. Category Management plays a critical role in ensuring product availability, cost competitiveness, and supplier alignment across our portfolio. Position Summary We are seeking a Category Manager to own the performance and strategy of assigned product categories. This role directly impacts product assortment, service levels, margin performance, and supplier effectiveness, partnering across Supply Chain and Commercial teams to drive data-informed decisions and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Execution · Own the day-to-day performance of assigned categories, including sales, margin, and cost. · Develop and execute category strategies that maximize availability, competitiveness, and profitability. · Analyze market, customer, and competitive data to identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities. · Design and maintain site-level assortments that balance service levels, complexity, cost, and product lifecycle. Supplier & Cost Management · Support the development of supplier strategies, including segmentation, sourcing recommendations, and value-creation initiatives. · Partner with Procurement to assess supplier performance, cost movements, and risk factors. · Monitor supplier lead times, reliability, and capacity; proactively escalate and mitigate supply risks. · Contribute to cost-reduction, margin-improvement, and value-engineering initiatives across assigned categories. Cross-Functional Collaboration · Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Pricing to ensure category decisions align with customer needs, pricing strategy, and go-to-market plans. · Work closely with Supply Planning, Inventory, and Operations to ensure category strategies support network performance and service objectives. · Provide category insights and recommendations to inform commercial programs, promotions, and customer initiatives. Analytics & Performance Management · Own category performance KPIs (sales, margin, inventory, service) and lead corrective actions to improve results. · Translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights for Supply Chain and Commercial stakeholders. · Maintain and enhance dashboards, scorecards, and reporting tools to monitor and communicate category health. Qualifications Required · Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Analytics, or related field · 3-7 years of experience in category or vendor management, supply chain, procurement, merchandising, or related disciplines · Strong analytical skills with experience using data tools, dashboards, and planning systems · Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions, especially with Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain · Experience managing assortment, or margin-related decisions · Advance Excel skills Preferred · Experience using advanced analytics, automation, or AI-driven tools for forecasting and decision support · Experience using Power BI Key Competencies · Data-driven decision-making and analytical rigor · Strong communication and cross-functional influence · Financial and margin management acumen · Problem-solving and structured thinking · Ability to manage complexity and prioritize effectively · Ownership mindset with strong execution discipline Benefits and Compensation: • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and disability coverage options. • Employer-provided life insurance and long-term disability benefits. • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays. • 401(k) retirement plan with company match. • Parental leave and support continuing education.