Category Manager-Marketing Merchandise

The Category Manager will be responsible for managing the development and implementation of marketing initiatives as the primary contact of their category for Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. The Category Manager will be responsible for the development of objectives, programs and promotional activity for Branded business and be responsible for private label growth and objectives for their category.

Responsibilities:

Category & Product Management (40%):

• Create and implement marketing promotions, incentives and other initiatives to promote category sales and gross margin production to meet company objectives 
• Identify Branded and Private Label product opportunities and additions by category and SKU to meet company objectives 
• Collaborate with manufacturer partners on special programs; manage the communication and implementation to the Patterson Dental field. 
• Analyze syndicated external data to determine industry and consumer trends 
• Analyze sub-category performance, measure results and growth of category and vendor performance; support individual branch performance 
• Partner with integrated customer marketing team to develop, implement, and execute strategies for category growth

Internal Advocacy, Education and Implementation (30%)

• In conjunction with Vendor Account Management team, manage vendor communication to the Patterson Dental field 
• Provide guidance on Office Design integration with Patterson field sales efforts, including adoption of new technologies, process improvements, installation protocols and other guidelines 
• Incorporate vendor marketing efforts into logistics and finance processes to ensure ease of product order lifecycle and maximize gross margin dollars 
• As a part of asset management, create and support systems to minimize investment in inventory display plans and distribution centers 
• Develop educational support programs incorporating both product knowledge and selling strategies

Vendor Partnership (25%)

• Collaborate with manufacturer partners to implement special programs 
• Lead team efforts with manufacturers to maximize return on investment for marketing programs, including field communications and in-person and virtual event 
• Participate in marketing efforts with logistics and finance to ensure maximized capitalization on vendor advertising allowances

All other duties as assigned by management (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or comparable business field 
• Minimum of 3+ years of product marketing and/or product management experience 
• Proven track record of managing complex projects 
• Demonstrated record collaborating with cross-functional teams 
• Effective interpersonal communication and presentation skills 
• Ability to work effectively within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced changing environment -- multi-tasks, prioritizes and meets deadlines in timely manner 
• Has good organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Shows a great attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with equipment products in the dental industry 
• Experience in partnering with vendors and/or sales organizations 
• Experience in mobile/cloud technologies 
• Strong analytical capabilities Strong written communication skills

What's In It For You:

We provide competitive benefits, unique incentive programs and rewards for our eligible employees:

• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits and an integrated Wellness Program. 
• 401(k) Match Retirement Savings Plan. 
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). 
• Paid Time Off (PTO). 
• Holiday Pay & Floating Holidays. 
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO). 
• Educational Assistance Program (Tuition Reimbursement). 
• Full Paid Parental and Adoption Leave. 
• LifeWorks (Employee Assistance Program). 
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability. 
• Patterson Perks Program.