2962 Senior Category Manager

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, BlueLinx Corporation is a leading distributor of building products in North America. Employing approximately 1,900 people, BlueLinx offers greater than 10,000 products from over 750 suppliers to service approximately 11,500 customers nationwide, including dealers, industrial manufacturers, manufactured housing producers and home improvement retailers. The company operates its distribution business from sales centers in Atlanta and Denver, and its network of approximately 56 distribution centers. Additional information about BlueLinx can be found on its website at www.BlueLinxCo.com.

Position Purpose Summary:

Develops overall strategy for alignment between sales and supply chain of a major product category (i.e., metals, roofing, and specialty lumber.) Ensures profitable vendor negotiations through strategic sourcing efforts and supplier negotiations

• Understands the company’s vision, mission, and strategy; understands business unit objectives and sets/accomplishes individual performance goals accordingly.
• Manages strategic top vendor relationships and supplier selection process. Sets price strategies of assigned product category to determine what to buy and sell.
• Assesses the market size, opportunities and life cycles for assigned product categories to determine BlueLinx’s strategy for product procurement.
• Partners with sales and marketing for market intelligence to ensure margins.
• Creates company’s go-to-market strategy for assigned product categories.
• Facilitates inventory strategy alignment, including ensuring appropriate service levels and inventory turns.
• Manages risk associated with profitability by setting appropriate procurement strategies. Manages operating expenses to stay below targeted levels.
• Leads a team; selects/hires; develops objectives; coaches and evaluates performance. Ensures direct reports obtain applicable training and development opportunities to enhance performance, development, and contributions to the company. Holds direct reports accountable for individual and team performance. Addresses performance issues appropriately and timely.

• Extensive product knowledge; Foundational knowledge of end-to-end supply chain process and requirements.
• Strategic sourcing/supplier negotiation (highly complex negotiations).
• Product profitability experience.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite Software and relevant tools / technology.
• Years of experience: 8-10+ years experience preferred; 7+ years w/ MS/MA/MBA.