Category Manager for Hardware and Emerging Categories

Job Posting:

Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers' complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. We proactively solve problems, adapt and grow to continuously serve our customers, communities and each other. Ferguson is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and capabilities across the following industries: Commercial/Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce. Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.

Ferguson is currently seeking the right individual to fill an immediate need for a Category Manager - Hardware & Emerging Categories. This Category Manager will be responsible for overseeing and measurably affecting the profitable growth of the Hardware, Tile & Flooring, Doors, Medicine Cabinets, and other Emerging Categories. This associate will support the enterprise strategy for hardware & emerging categories across all channels. This role will be responsible for developing, driving, and implementing product strategy in alignment with the initiatives of the organization. This position will report into the Director of Category Management - Decorative Products.

Location: This position will work in a hybrid capacity, reporting to the office 3 days a week, out of Ferguson Corporate in Newport News, VA and occasional travel is required.

Responsibilities:

• Negotiate, document, improve, and execute existing Hardware & Emerging Categories vendor programs.
• Identify, research, and evaluate potential new suppliers to ensure they meet the organization's standards of price, quality, timing, and reliability of supply.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, vendors, and/or their representatives.
• Conduct regular reviews of branded vendors, exclusive product lines, and own brand products to ensure volume/mix and profit objectives are achieved.
• Resolve vendor-related problems regarding performance, service, timing, quality, quantity, delivery, industry and more.
• Develop recommendations for underperforming or unaligned products and programs, including program terminations.
• Provide marketing support and strategic guidance for respective categories.
• Maintain an ongoing awareness of industry trends - serve as the trusted advisor to the business on respective categories.
• Collaborate with Customer Group leaders, branch and channel leadership, and sales associates to quantify the opportunities and develop programs for the timely execution of same.
• Integrate products and categories across Ferguson's sales channels as needed.
• Ensure the field sales organization is proficient in the use and sales aspects of the products.
• Lead the Hardware & Emerging Categories team inclusive of performance management, goal setting, and accountability for results.
• Actively participate in industry organizations, events, and trade shows.

Preferred experience, skills and qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Category Management, Procurement, Product Management, Supply Chain or related areas.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations to groups.
• Ability to lead and motivate individuals and teams.
• Ability to efficiently operate computers, tablets and mobile devices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc.).

At Ferguson, we care for each other. We value our well-being just as much as our hard work. We are committed to a holistic approach towards benefits plans and programs that support the mental, physical and financial well-being of our associates. Our competitive offering not only includes benefits like health, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance and a 401(k) with a company match, but our associates also enjoy additional meaningful and inclusive enhancements that are adaptable to their diverse situations and needs, including mental health coverage, gender affirming and family building benefits, paid parental leave, associate discounts, community involvement opportunities and more!

Pay Range:

$9,225.00 - $15,033.70

Estimated Ranges displayed are Monthly for Salaried roles OR Hourly for all other roles.

This role is Bonus or Incentive Plan eligible.

Ferguson complies with all wage regulations. The starting wage may be higher in certain locations based on local or state wage requirements.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer as well as a government contractor that shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected Veterans and the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(A), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.

Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. is an equal employment employer F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Information