POSITION SUMMARYThe Category Manager I is responsible for overall vendor program and product management to increase sales and profitability while driving sustainable growth. This role will manage a group of brands or multiple categories of products for U.S. AutoForce and must have full comprehension of inventory, pricing, promotion, product placement/segmentation and sales principles. A background in financial metrics/measurement and inventory management is a bonus.
The Category Manager I will coordinate the division's product mix at the direction of direct supervisor to achieve assigned Gross Margin ROI (GMROI), targeted inventory turns and fill-rates on assigned product lines. Additional
responsibilities include managing product, supplier promotions, marketing activities of assigned products and vendor programs.
This position is located in Appleton, WI.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Devise long term strategies for brands and categories growth
- Create new product launch strategy, stock model and promotional activities
- Build strong trusting relationships with suppliers
- Manage brand related: product, pricing, promotions, co-op, and rebate programs
- Negotiate and manage all supplier rebate programs to maximize growth and profitability
- Manage all special purchase opportunities - qualify and quantify benefits
- Analyze and lead all large quarterly and annual buys, quantify financial impacts
- Create promotions to grow branded sales
- Maintain supplier scorecard and monthly data metrics
- Forecast inventory to meet customer demand
- Work in a team environment to collectively grow
- Lead inventory management data collaboration process with suppliers
- Authorize positioning of a product/category to maximize visibility and profitability
- Acquire & Analyze industry data, make adjustments to remain current with industry and consumer trends
- Approve sustainable inventory levels with inventory control team
- Counsel pricing on selling price in a manner that allows for maximum gross profit
- Approve and track annual marketing and co-op plans
- Execute promotional activities with Marketing Managers
- Develop strong working relationships with Sales, Program Managers, Customer Service, Finance and Operations
- Facilitate E-Commerce parts activities with parts GM
- Provide finance guidance on rebate and volume bonus program management tracking
- Facilitate internet product marketing
- Manage associate dealer programs and data flow with Brand Managers
- Approve and develop new part numbers to the inventory model
- Develop exit strategy for unsuccessful or discontinued product
- Participate in Trade show planning and implementation
- Consult Inbound Logistics on supplier shipments and logistics opportunities
- Ensure accurate pricing and perform purchase price variance corrective action
- Perform other related duties as required and assigned
- Live our values of High Performance, Caring Relationships, Strategic Foresight, and Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Find A Better Way by championing continuous improvement and quality control efforts to identify opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency, accuracy, and standardization
- Continuously learn and develop self professionally
- Support corporate efforts for safety, government compliance, and all other company policies & procedures
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors Degree in Business, a related field, or the equivalent experience 3-5 years experience in product management or purchasing in a related industry Excellent analytical, problem solving, process improvement, communication, and organizational abilities Able to deal with a variety of people and situations in a positive, open-minded, and results oriented manner Detail, results, and team oriented as well as professional under stress Ability to think strategically and translate a vision into a solid measurable marketing/sales program Strong analytical skills including a good understanding of the budgeting process, cost control, price and profit dynamics, profit margin retention strategies, and statistics Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) Good problem solving, negotiation and communication skills Ethical and trustworthy Valid driver's license
DIVISION: U.S. AutoForce
U.S. Venture requires that a team member have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, U.S. Venture does not sponsor candidates for nonimmigrant visas or permanent residencyunless based on business need. U.S. Venture will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of an executed recruitment Master Service Agreement, there will be no obligation to any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without an agreement, U.S. Venture shall reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, shall be deemed the property of U.S. Venture. U.S. Venture, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristic. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call Human Resources at (920) 739-6101.
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U.S. Venture
Feb 13, 2026