National Category Manager - Distribution

Join Rexel: A Global Leader in Electrical Distribution

Rexel is a world leader in the electrical distribution market, operating in 18 countries and leveraging a network of 1,950 branches and 27,000 employees. We provide innovative electrical solutions and equipment for the industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. As the energy evolves, our business is transforming alongside it. This change is driven by you - our fresh thinkers, innovators, and groundbreakers. By collaborating closely with our customers and partners, Rexel is dedicated to delivering exceptional value to our employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. Together we are building sustainable performance and shaping a better future.

Rexel Canada operates under six distinct banners: Rexel Atlantic, Rexel Utility, Westburne, Nedco, LTL, and Talley.

For 100 years, Nedco has been a cornerstone in the electrical industry. With branches across Canada, Nedco, a division of Rexel Canada Electrical Inc., is pleased to offer one-stop shopping for a wide range of quality products such as communications, wire and cable, distribution, lighting, data, home integration, and security.

Position: National Category Manager – Distribution

Location: Mississauga Branch

Responsibilities:

• Category Management:
  • Organize and maintain the product category tree and nomenclature to better mine data and address problems.
  • Review and recommend stock packages.
  • Analyze product demands and sales performance.
  • Recommend external affiliations for staff/specialists, such as industry-related conferences and seminar sessions (e.g., Light-Fair, BICSI).
  • Source and evaluate new products and/or vendors to enhance our product line. Ensure products/suppliers deliver ROI.
  • Oversee initial product/supplier introduction, working with marketing, procurement, operations, and sales.
  • Collaborate with marketing and sales on promotional plans to achieve budgeted sales and gross profit within the assigned category.
  • Negotiate program terms and conditions, pricing, bulk discounts, and promotional costing.
  • Devise long-term development strategies for product categories, incorporating sales and profitability targets.
  • Recommend affiliation alignments to position Nedco as a leader within the category.
• Market Analysis:
  • Review and analyze various category reports, including market data, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified.
  • Monitor competitive activity through branch visits, industry events, trade shows, and advertisements to identify opportunities to improve/protect market share.
  • Understand the structure of supplier-distributor alignments/relationships/strategies and determine if they complement or pose a threat to business goals.
  • Identify new and future trends within the category.
  • Develop and review promotional and awareness campaigns with manufacturers.
• Supplier Relations:
  • Negotiate vendor agreements and better-buy contracts with new and existing vendors to secure competitive and attractive pricing for Nedco, meeting gross profit guidelines and maximizing available discounts.
  • Secure and manage necessary Market Development Funds (MDF) to support sales initiatives.
  • Conduct annual reviews of suppliers within the category to ensure compliance with company policies and buying conditions.
  • Build strong vendor relations that are mutually beneficial.
  • Recommend new suppliers and/or products.
  • Develop trust relationships with vendors to achieve better pricing and quality of services.
• Communication:
  • Act as the key point of contact for branches, sales teams, accounts payable, procurement, marketing, and pricing.
  • Manage new product and/or supplier launches.
  • Conduct and effectively manage sales performance reviews with suppliers and management groups.
  • Develop communication strategies to ensure branches are informed of key information needed to support assigned categories.
  • Answer questions and provide necessary directions regarding products in the category.
• Special Programs:
  • Implement and support special programs such as AIM, PANPRO, CAC, VIP, Website, PIM, and Global Initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Analytical skills: Capability to complete market research, analyze sales and margin trends, and manage product phase-in/phase-out.
• Mathematical skills: Excellent knowledge of Excel and Word for Windows, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables.
• Merchandising and product promotion expertise.
• Affinity to understand the end usage of electrical products.

Experience and Other Competencies:

• Post-secondary education in Business Management, Marketing, Merchandising, or Product Management.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a product category role.
• Excellent negotiation, oral/written communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding environment.
• Creativity, adaptability, teamwork, and self-motivation.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external groups.
• Attention to detail.

Compensation:

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is CAD 100K-130K. Final compensation within this range will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This range does not include variable pay or other components of Rexel's total rewards package.

What We Offer:

• Our employees enjoy a positive work-life balance while thriving in an environment that is dynamic and motivated by new and exciting challenges.
• Rexel does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make final hiring decisions. Where technology is used (e.g., to schedule interviews or manage applications), assessments and hiring decisions are made by our hiring team members in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process.
• We provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits plans, and pension plans, along with a remarkable range of career opportunities - whether advancing in your current field or exploring something entirely new. If you are motivated, we will help you find the career path that suits you.
• Rexel Canada is committed to Employment Equity and values a diverse workforce, recognizing each employee's unique talents and skills.

What Is Next?

• If this position aligns with your career goals, click "Apply" to submit your application.
• We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
• If you require any accommodation in the application process, please contact us using the “Need Help” button in Fitzii.
• Please visit www.rexel.ca for other career opportunities.