Category Manager

Bunzl Processor Division is seeking a Category Manager in the Kansas City area. The Category Manager will analyze market trends, develop strategies, grow supplier relations and collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to enhance category performance, maximize profitability, and meet overall customer needs. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation abilities, a deep understanding of market dynamics, pricing strategy, and a demanding need for response time. The Category Manager will work with domestic and international manufacturers to maximize product profitability throughout its lifecycle. The objective of the Category Manager is to plan and specify a product portfolio in line with the long-term strategic objectives and within the scope and capabilities of the company’s long-term strategic business plan. This position will have a hybrid work schedule, so candidates must live in the Kansas City area. Responsibilities: Monitor market trends, competitive products, and overall product pricing within the assigned category. Develop product pricing strategy and negotiate best cost vendor programs to improve overall margin. Negotiate long-term strategic supply and incentive agreements that improve working capital KPIs and grow profitability of the category. Work closely with suppliers to ensure adherence and payment of incentive agreements. Provide sales support and product training material to field sales and inside sales staff. Rationalize and consolidate product lines to improve inventory turns and create volume cost improvement opportunities. Support sales staff with special product training, quality and price deviations. Work to improve go-to-market strategy and speed of new product implementation to ensure best possible. Requirements: High school diploma or GED/equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred. 5+ years of experience in Category Management or relevant business experience required, preferably in a distribution environment. Proven experience negotiating with vendors regarding pricing discussions and long-term supply agreements. Experience executing regularly scheduled RFPs with domestic and international manufacturers. Must possess exceptional responsiveness, consistently addressing tasks, inquiries, and challenges in a timely and effective manner to ensure seamless communication and resolution. Possess strong planning, organizational and time management skills, as well as strong analytical problem-solving skills. Multi-task with the ability to change direction quickly and often. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) Enterprise purchasing system experience is highly preferred. So, what are you waiting for? A new career awaits you with endless opportunities. Bunzl is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non-Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to sales in excess of $10 billion. Bunzl North America is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Bunzl North America owns and operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than5,000 employees and 400,000 plus supplies, Bunzl is regarded as a leading supplier in North America. Click here to learn more about Bunzl. Bunzl Distribution offers competitive salaries, a comfortable work environment, and a full range of benefits including a 401k with a company match. Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2025-10-24