Category Manager, Accessories

Established in the Blue Ridge foothills of North Carolina in 1963, Leonard Truck Outfitters is a manufacturer and distributor whose product lines include storage buildings, cargo and utility trailers, truck covers, truck and van accessories, carports, playhouses, chicken coops, and dog houses. We serve our residential, commercial, fleet, and government customers through our 120 retail store locations in thirteen states, supported by our corporate office (in Mount Airy, NC,), distribution centers, and strategically located manufacturing facilities.

Job Summary

The Category Manager, Accessories is hybrid-based at the Leonard Mt. Airy, NC, Customer Support Center (CSC), with operations in the U.S., and has overall responsibility for the sourcing and procurement of high-performance truck accessories, including but not limited to tonneau covers, toolboxes, step bars, bed liners, and related aftermarket products. This role requires negotiating contracts, cultivating supplier relationships, and ensuring the availability of high-quality accessories. This position reports directly to the Sr. Director, Merchandising and has direct reports.

Job Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategic sourcing plans to establish a robust and cost-effective supply chain for truck accessories.
• Identifies, assesses, and negotiates with potential suppliers, establishing long-term partnerships to ensure a reliable and diverse supplier base.
• Manages relationships with existing suppliers, conducting regular performance assessments, and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Works closely with suppliers to enhance lead times, quality, and cost-effectiveness while addressing any issues that arise.
• Negotiates favorable terms and pricing with suppliers, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising on quality and performance.
• Stays informed about market trends and leverages insights to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Collaborates with the quality control team to establish and maintain stringent quality standards for truck accessories.
• Proactively addresses and resolves any quality issues with suppliers to maintain the highest product standards.
• Collaborates with the warehouse and production teams to optimize inventory levels, preventing shortages and minimizing excess stock.
• Implements effective inventory control measures to enhance overall operational efficiency.
• Stays abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes affecting the supply chain for truck accessories.
• Provides regular reports and insights to senior management on market dynamics and potential impact on procurement strategies.
  
  

Other Duties

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Competencies (skills, Knowledge, And Abilities)

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Familiarity with truck accessories and aftermarket industry trends.
• Proficiency in procurement and inventory management software.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  
  

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in purchasing or supply chain management, preferably in the automotive aftermarket or accessories industry.
  
  

Travel

This position requires periodic travel.

What does Leonard Offer?

• Competitive salary compensation.
• Competitive benefits package.
• 401K with a Company match.
• Paid days off: holidays and vacation.
• Continuous training and growth opportunities to build your career with Leonard.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
• Ability to type on a keyboard.
• Ability to hear and talk.
• Ability to move about inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and printer.
• Requires close vision for computer work and reviewing correspondence.
• Work is performed in a controlled office, with noise levels within acceptable safety levels, paper, dust, etc.
  
  

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Company to administer employment based solely on an individual’s qualifications, ability, and performance without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, political affiliation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.