US Director, Product Category Management

JOB OVERVIEW:

This position is responsible to direct a highly complex department and/or product category with significant scope and financial and operational impact.  Responsible for the management of the category and develop the product category strategy in meeting the goals of the organization and its customers across segments. Accountable for developing plans that will result in increased sales, market share and/or profitability through product category analysis, strategy development, supplier profitability and contribution, category maintenance and new product launches. Must be the Product Category Expert within the Medical or Dental Industry. Acts as a mentor to other PCMs and specialists.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• CATEGORY MANAGEMENT: Ownership of all activities surrounding performance of a category team for which they are responsible. This includes sales and market share analysis, identifying underperforming categories, mitigating costs, developing plans and programs to drive sales and market share in both brand and Henry Schein products. Establish strategy including business development. Leads relationship development with key manufacturer partners of Henry Schein’s North America Distribution Group, including business development, cost negotiations distribution agreements and negotiating all business terms.  Design and develops business plans with manufacturer partners for mutual growth and success.  Fully accountable for the financial achievement of growth incentive/ rebate programs, service fees, quarterly rebate R/O updates , all supplier contribution and profitability, and category budget targets.
• NEW PRODUCT ACTIVITIES: Ensures the item data accuracy and process efficiency of all new product submissions.  Establishes the approval criteria for a new item/supplier set up and the business governing rules related to marketing assets, pricing, forecast and opening order quantities. Develops and ensures an accurate and efficient process of new item code creation, web attributes and descriptions and development of catalog copy. Ensure the accurate onboarding of new supplier business and regulatory terms.  Works closely with suppliers to develop a promotional plan to deliver a successful launch.
• CURRENT PRODUCT LINE MANAGEMENT: Establishes the criteria used in selecting products and pricing for respective product categories.  Negotiates buying deals with suppliers and ensures proper communication and implementation to Inventory Management. Ensures the accuracy of marketing product classifications and item descriptions to maintain the integrity of product content. Accountable for A-system and/or ecommerce classifications, item descriptions and images to ensure the integrity of product content. Fully accountable for the SKU Optimization and the non-saleable pool resolution process as well as cost book accuracy
• SEASONAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT: Responsible for the strategy and management of seasonal products to meet the needs of customers, deliver profitability, and minimize inventory risk.
• CHANNEL MARKETING: Full accountability for the layout and presentation for respective categories in all channel media and marketing platforms within established deadlines. Accountable for all issue resolution in this process.
• BUSINESS ACUMEN: Complete understanding of P&L and financial metrics.  Establishes the overall product category business strategy.
• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Fully accountable for the growth of the category through new supplier relationships and new product additions.
• OTHER: Participates in special projects and performs other duties as required.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

• Outstanding management and leadership skills and ability to attract, retain, motivate, develop, mentor and coach team members for high performance
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and ability to resolve disputes effectively
• Outstanding presentation and public speaking skills
• Expert independent decision making, analysis and problem solving skills
• Understand, interpret and act on financial information and external trends that contributes to business profitability.  Plan and manage complex and successful projects; understand available resources, develop timeline, budget and assign areas of responsibility
• Lead teams to achieve company goals and solve complex business issues in creative and effective ways
• Expert planning and organizational skills and techniques
• Communicate effectively with senior management and key stakeholders
• Excellent negotiating skills and ability to effectively manage internal and external relationships
• Ability to influence, build relationships, understand organizational complexities, manage conflict and navigate politics
• Broad professional and managerial skills with a full understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures
• Lead and develop virtual teams
• Expert in multiple technical and business skills
• Strategic planning skills

GENERAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES: 

• Outstanding management and leadership skills and ability to attract, retain, motivate, develop, mentor and coach team members for high performance
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and ability to resolve disputes effectively
• Outstanding presentation and public speaking skills
• Expert independent decision making, analysis and problem-solving skills
• Understand, interpret and act on financial information and external trends that contributes to business profitability
• Plan and manage complex and successful projects; understand available resources, develop timeline, budget and assign areas of responsibility
• Lead teams to achieve company goals and solve complex business issues in creative and effective ways
• Expert planning and organizational skills and techniques
• Communicate effectively with senior management and key stakeholders
• Excellent negotiating skills and ability to effectively manage internal and external relationships
• Ability to influence, build relationships, understand organizational complexities, manage conflict and navigate politics
• Broad professional and managerial skills with a full understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures
• Lead and develop virtual teams
• Expert in multiple technical and business skills
• Strategic planning skills

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE: 

Typically 12 or more years of increasing responsibility and complexity in product category management experience; 5 or more years of management experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION: 

Typically a Bachelor's Degree or global equivalent in related discipline. Master's degree or global equivalent a plus.

TRAVEL / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Travel typically less than 10%. Office environment. No special physical demands required.