Category Manager develops the overall strategy for a product category and researches new product options in the category to drive sales and achieve targets. Leads a team that provides category insights and proposals by analyzing marketing and customer data and monitoring relevant market conditions. Being a Category Manager works closely with sales team to determine optimal pricing through analysis of sales trends, competitors, buying habits and planograms of products to promote sales opportunities. Provides effective promotional materials. Additionally, Category Manager may develop special arrangements with vendors to enhance product promotions. Requires a bachelor's degree of marketing. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Category Manager typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. To be a Category Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
The Life Science Category Manager will develop category, and supplier strategies for a select group of suppliers within a European Life Science portfolio. They will work alongside the European team to ensure the successful implementation of the portfolio strategy by key internal collaborators. They will also engage with relevant Commercial, Marketing, Supply Chain Leadership and all other functions.
Responsibilities:
Lead European category, portfolio, and product strategies for the group of products and suppliers.
Implement portfolio expansion, optimize product margins, acquire supplier funding, support growth initiatives, and develop customer segment strategies.
Supervise and analyze strategy deployment through revenue growth, profitability, and market share in the defined territory. Implement corrective actions to meet or exceed the Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the portfolio, regulatory requirements, competitors, and customer demands. Provide feedback to the Category Management Team.
Build a network of senior professionals and data sources to capture market intelligence across European and Emerging Markets. Increase issues and lead corrective actions to enable dynamic and quick reaction in the strategy.
Maintain positive relationships with key suppliers' senior leadership. Facilitate engagement and support from suppliers to drive sales growth, strategy deployment, and improved customer experience.
Analyze monthly sales data to identify market dynamics, develop corrective actions, and lead quarterly business reviews. Complete monthly reporting tasks.
Handle ad hoc requests from Leadership and identify new growth initiatives, margin expansion opportunities, and practical process improvement projects that align with the category's financial, operational, and customer experience goals.
Resolve product/supplier support requests from internal partners.
Support Key Supplier activities during the yearly price roll, including communication, data review, problem-solving, and negotiation to meet financial targets.
Develop strong cross-functional relationships with business, sales, and marketing leaders.
Collaborate with the Customer Segment Marketing Manager on Marketing Campaigns that drive revenue growth and product pull-through.
Minimum Requirements / Qualifications / Proficiencies:
Advanced degree in Science
Demonstrated ability in the lab industry, preferably in a commercial, marketing or portfolio management role.
Up to 20% travel in EMEA.
Proficient in English, additional European Languages will be appreciated
Confidence and diplomatic to present, negotiate, and maintain relationships with Director and Vice-President level supplier partners.
Knowledge of the scientific marketplace, including laboratory products, applications, and customer requirements.
Sales, marketing, or other commercial functional knowledge.
Ability to develop and implement strategies and provide sound recommendations based on quantitative and qualitative inputs, with an understanding of financial drivers.