What are the responsibilities and job description for the Category Manager position at Dexter Axle?
Job Description
Dexter is the premier manufacturer and supplier of axles, suspension, brakes, doors, venting products, trailer parts, accessories, and towing components serving the commercial trailer, RV, heavy-duty, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets has an opportunity for a Category Manager at our Lisle, IL or Springfield, MO locations.
Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved many years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service.
For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at www.dextergroup.com.
The Category Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic management and development of product categories within Dexter Distribution. Their main objective is to optimize sales and profitability by effectively analyzing market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategy Development: Formulate and implement category-specific strategies aligned with the company's overall objectives. Identify growth opportunities, market gaps, and emerging trends within assigned product categories.
2. Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market research to understand consumer behavior, industry trends, and competitive landscape. Utilize data and analytics to make informed decisions regarding pricing, assortment, and promotional strategies.
3. Assortment Planning: Determine the optimal product assortment for each category, considering customer preferences, market demand, and sales performance. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure a diverse and attractive product mix.
4. Vendor Management: Collaborate with sourcing and purchasing teams to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiate pricing and terms, and assess vendor performance. Regularly evaluate and select new suppliers to expand product offerings and enhance profitability.
5. Pricing and Promotion: Develop pricing strategies based on market dynamics, competitive analysis, and profitability targets. Plan and execute promotional activities, discounts, and marketing campaigns to drive sales and maximize category performance.
6. Inventory Management: Optimize inventory levels, monitor product availability, and minimize stockouts or overstock situations. Collaborate with supply chain teams to ensure timely replenishment and efficient inventory turnover.
7. Performance Tracking: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales, margin, market share, and customer satisfaction. Analyze data, identify trends, and generate reports to evaluate category performance and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments, including marketing, sales, operations, sourcing, and finance, to align category strategies with overall business goals. Coordinate with merchandising teams to plan promotions, seasonal campaigns, and product displays.
9. Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on industry developments, market trends, and competitor activities. Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and revenue growth within assigned categories.
Overall, the Category Manager plays a critical role in driving revenue, enhancing customer experience, and maintaining a competitive edge by effectively managing and developing product categories within Dexter.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualification Include:
- Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing
- 5 years of Merchandising experience (preferably in wholesale distribution)
- Category Management
- Product Management
- Strategic Planning
- Operations
- Sales
- Purchasing
- Pricing and Product Brand Strategies
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
We care for our people. Here are some of our great, comprehensive Benefits:
- Dexter offers a competitive wage
- Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
- 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
- 401(k) Plan with company contributions
- Opportunities for internal career development and growth
Apply now to join an industry leader and make a difference in what we do for the customers we serve!
Equal Opportunity Employer
Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen. Dexter Axle Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Work Authorization
Dexter will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada. This position does not provide sponsorship. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
