Fine Paper Category Manager

Overview

The Fine Paper Category Manager will develop and implement strategic plans for the assigned product line, overseeing aspects such as supplier relations, product portfolio management, profitability enhancements, rebate programs, and market trend analysis. Collaborating closely with sales, purchasing, supply chain analytics, and suppliers, this role ensures optimal product offerings, cost controls, appropriate pricing, inventory strategies, and market positioning that drive profitable growth. This position focuses on strategic and commercial responsibilities rather than daily purchase order management.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and uphold the category strategy aligned with growth, margin, supplier engagement, inventory management, and customer goals.
• Identify new growth avenues including product innovations, private label initiatives, preferred supplier programs, product substitutions, cross-selling, and emerging consumer needs.
• Collaborate with the Director of Category Management to set annual objectives, key priorities, and execution plans.
• Keep abreast of category trends, competitor actions, client demand, supplier updates, and overall market conditions.
• Lead initiatives to improve or eliminate underperforming products, suppliers, or programs negatively impacting margins.
• Manage substitute item catalogs and alternative sourcing plans to mitigate supply shortages and meet client requirements.
• Analyze category performance metrics such as sales, gross margin, rebate income, SKU productivity, supplier results, inventory turnover, and overall profitability.
• Drive enhancements in gross margin dollars and percentage, rebate and supplier program revenues, inventory efficiency, and category profit.
• Support guidelines around margin controls, pricing strategies, supplier cost adjustments, and profitability benchmarks.
• Work with finance and sales leaders to assess and improve customer-specific inventory strategies, profitability, deal economics, and corrective actions.
• Oversee customer stocking processes, volume commitments, margin expectations, supplier backing, inventory risk, and exit strategies.
• Assist sales in sourcing requests, starting with core SKUs and identifying alternatives when necessary.
• Lead supplier negotiations on rebates, cost changes, private label, and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate with purchasing on supplier service levels including lead times, fill rates, backorders, cost fluctuations, and supply concerns.
• Scout and qualify alternate suppliers to mitigate risks, boost competitiveness, and foster expansion.
• Perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Statistics, or related discipline preferred; equivalent practical experience also considered.
• 1 to 3 years' background in supply chain analytics, planning, logistics, or data analysis.
• Strong aptitude for analyzing complex datasets, identifying patterns, and spotting anomalies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel; familiarity with database systems.
• Experience with ERP, planning software, and business intelligence tools is advantageous.
• Basic knowledge of supply chain principles, statistical evaluation, and inventory management.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within teams.
• Prior experience in wholesale distribution or paper/packaging sectors is a benefit.
• Fluent English communication skills required for safety and operational effectiveness.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively.
• Must successfully pass drug screening and background verification checks.

Work Environment and Conditions

• Primarily office-based role with regular walking and standing for extended periods.
• Physical requirements include talking, hearing, reaching, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements involve close and distance focus adjustments.
• Mental demands include regular use of written and oral communication and independent work with minimal oversight.
• Interaction with managers and staff is frequent.

Additional Information

This description outlines the principal duties and expected responsibilities but is not exhaustive; job requirements may evolve. This role is an equal opportunity employment opportunity, respecting nondiscrimination based on age, race, gender, religion, and other protected categories.