Category Manager chez Bearing Distributors Inc. (BDI)

Bearing Distributors Inc. (BDI) is the leading and fastest growing privately held global supplier of industrial products and services to companies throughout the world.  Our commitment to customer service and technical expertise have been the trademark of our success and global expansion.

BDI’s Brand is Success Made Easier.  This is our promise to our Customers, our Team Members, our Suppliers, and our Shareholders.  Everything we do focuses on delivering Success to each group.

BDI Team Members can expect industry leading benefits including competitive pay, exceptional variable compensation programs, health benefits, 401(k) and profit-sharing program, maternal and paternal leave programs, tuition reimbursement, referral bonuses, and many more.  All in an exciting and everchanging entrepreneurial environment.

Job Definition:

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans for assigned product or service categories to drive business growth, optimize supplier relationships, and overall support for the business. This role involves deep market analysis, supplier negotiations, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous performance monitoring to ensure category profitability and alignment with organizational goals.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies based on market trends, customer needs, and business objectives.
• Conduct regular SWOT analyses and competitive benchmarking.
• Identify opportunities for consolidation, innovation, cost savings, and value creation.
• Source, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and initiate corrective actions when necessary.
• Work closely with Procurement, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align category strategies.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and change management initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports on category performance, forecasts, and strategic initiatives.
• Analyze data and market trends and utilize data-driven insights to develop category strategies to assist with inventory analysis.
• Manage category spend in correlation with product sales to drive growth and market share.
• Track and report on margin enhancement and profitability metrics.
• Responsible for other duties as they are assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field. **will accept 10+ years’ experience in lieu of education**
• 5+ years of experience in category management, procurement, or strategic sourcing.
• Familiarity with e-procurement platforms and digital sourcing tools.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid or on-site work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in distribution.
• Occasional travel for supplier visits, trade shows, or industry events.

*BDI reserves the right to change job duties at any time. The job description is not designed to cover every requirement of the job.