Sr. Manager of Category Management - Specialty

Patterson isn't just a place to work, it's a partner that cares about your success.

One of the distinguishing marks of our company is the talented people who embrace the people-first, always advancing, and results-driven culture. Professional growth abounds in this motivating environment. We value the diverse talents and experiences our employees bring to Patterson and believe that they build a stronger and successful organization.

The Senior Manager of Category Management is accountable to manage the execution and operating plans aligned to end-to-end category strategies across assortment, pricing, promotions, procurement, and supplier partnerships to grow sales, margin, and share. This position is responsible for data-driven reviews of syndicated and internal data, customer insights, and competitive intelligence to shape the category roadmap. In addition, this role collaborates cross-functionally to deliver measurable business outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Lead the development and execution of category strategies, operating plans and roadmaps, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and omnichannel merchandising, to achieve revenue, margin, and market share growth targets
• Oversee sourcing and commercial execution (RFIs/RFPs) and supplier management including risk analyses, competitive pricing, service levels, and adherence to supplier governance and procurement practices and align cross-functionally on pricing architectures and promotions that improve profitability
• Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle; inform innovation and product introduction, monitor adoption, and lead rationalization decisions ensuring alignment to customer demand and business goals
• Manage category performance management through KPIs, scorecards, business reviews and analytics, translating insights into actionable plans that improve sales, profitability, and operational efficiency
• Drive data-informed decision-making by synthesizing internal and syndicated data, customer insights, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform category plans
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance and vendor partners to align category strategies with broader business objectives and ensure effective execution
• Establish and enhance category management processes, tools, and best practices, championing continuous improvement and scalability across the function
• Build organizational capacity by strengthening team capabilities, enabling effective use of skills, supporting recruiting and onboarding, and improving processes, tools, or workflows to enhance performance and achieve organizational objectives
• Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned

People Management

• Accountable for team staffing and managing direct reports to include development, performance management, goal setting, and other managerial duties
• Ensures direct reports are aware of and follow ethical business practices and Company’s Code of Conduct to maintain a supportive and productive working environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent education and/or experience
• 8 years category management, sourcing, or procurement experience
• 3 years of leadership or people management experience

Skills and Abilities

• Proven experience of category trends, regulatory considerations, and supply chain dynamics
• Solid understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and supply chain considerations
• Advanced analytical and financial acumen; ability to interpret and translate complex data into concise recommendations
• Strong business acumen, sourcing and negotiation skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to effectively influence and deliver concise information to internal and external stakeholders
• Strong project and change leadership skills; ability to prioritize initiatives, manage dependencies, and lead process improvements
• Experience building organizational capacity and developing team capabilities and skills

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Communicate/Hearing Frequently
• Communicate/Talking Frequently
• Learn New Tasks or Concepts Frequently
• Make Timely Decisions in the Context of a Workflow Frequently
• Complete Tasks Independently Constantly
• Maintain Focus Constantly
• Remember Processes & Procedures Constantly
• Stationary Position (Seated) Constantly
• Vision Constantly
• Hand/Eye Coordination Occasionally
• Bend Rarely
• Complete Tasks in a Noisy Environment Rarely
• Feeling/Grasping/Handling Rarely
• Move/Traverse Rarely
• Repetitive Motions Rarely

Working Environment

• Hazards Occasionally

Environmental Conditions

• Office: This position primarily operates in a professional office environment in which team members occupy desks in assigned areas or at meeting/collaboration spaces within the building. The building's primary work areas consist of desks, chairs, computers, and other office equipment and devices for professional services.
• Remote: This position primarily completes work from a remote setting, most commonly, a home office. This may be referenced as flexible workplace.

Travel Requirements

• 10%

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Holiday Pay & Floating Holidays

• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

• Educational Assistance Program

• Full Paid Parental and Adoption Leave

• LifeWorks (Employee Assistance Program)

• Patterson Perks Program

The potential compensation range for this role is below. The final offer amount could exceed this range, based on various factors such as candidate location (geographical labor market), experience, and skills.

EEO Statement

Patterson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.