Manager - Category Management

As a Manager - Category Management, you are expected to own and deliver the end-to-end category strategy, driving profitable growth, market share expansion, and supplier value creation. This role leads commercial, digital, and data-driven decision-making across the category, ensuring alignment with customer needs, market trends, and business objectives.

You will act as the P&L owner for the category, shaping strategy across pricing, assortment, supplier partnerships, and go-to-market execution, while leveraging data,and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & P&L Ownership

• Develop and execute a 3-5 year category strategy aligned to regional and global business goals
• Own full category performance: revenue, margin, growth, and profitability targets
• Identify and prioritise growth opportunities through market analysis, customer insights, and competitive positioning

Data-Driven Commercial Management

• Leverage data analytics and insights (e.g. Power BI, dashboards, market data) to optimize:
  • Pricing and margin performance
  • Product lifecycle and assortment
  • Supplier spend and mix
• Drive forecasting accuracy and pipeline visibility across the category
• Translate insights into clear, actionable commercial decisions

Supplier Strategy & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead strategic supplier relationships, including executive engagement and joint business planning
• Negotiate commercial agreements (pricing, rebates, contracts) to maximize long-term value
• Drive supplier performance through structured reviews, KPIs, and continuous improvement plans

Go-to-Market & Demand Generation

• Lead category-led go-to-market strategy in partnership with Sales and Marketing
• Develop targeted campaigns, promotions, and value propositions
• Equip sales teams with clear positioning, pricing logic, and competitive differentiation

Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance

• Embed sustainability and regulatory requirements (e.g. packaging, ESG, compliance) into category strategy
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve product sustainability and transparency
• Ensure readiness for evolving regulatory frameworks (e.g. EU requirements)

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, coach, and develop category team members (where applicable)
• Influence senior stakeholders across Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Marketing
• Act as the category expert and internal thought leader

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree - Business, Sales, Marketing or relevant field required; Masters Degree preferred
• 5 years of success maintaining and developing key relationships
• 2 years People management and/or product category management experience
• Previous experience in electrical distribution market
• Proven ability to influence cross functional teams
• Analytical and detail oriented
• Excellent business and financial acumen
• 5+ years in Category Management, Product Management, or Commercial roles
• Proven track record of delivering profitable growth and commercial outcomes
• Strong experience in supplier negotiation and contract management
• Background in distribution, electrical, industrial, power or B2B sectors preferred
• This is a hybrid role and 2-3 days/week office presence is preferred.
• This role requires travelling upto 25%.
• Business level proficiency with English is preferred. German is an advantage.

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At Wesco, we build, connect, power and protect the world. As a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, we create a world that you can depend on. Our Company's greatest asset is our people. Wesco is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We promote a culture that is grounded in teamwork and respect. With a workforce of over 20,000 people worldwide, we embrace the unique perspectives each person brings. Through comprehensive benefits and active community engagement, we create an environment where every team member has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more about Working at Wesco here and apply online today! Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Wesco is a publicly traded (NYSE: WCC) FORTUNE 500 company. Wesco International, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Wesco") provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. US applicants only, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.Los Angeles Unincorporated County Candidates Only: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.