Category Manager
Mississauga, ON
Supply Chain Distribution
Competitive salary $75,000-$110,000 based on experience with bonus, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team culture

Job Summary

Our client, an established national distribution and supply-chain organization, is seeking a Category Manager to support strategic sourcing and category performance across a multi-vendor environment. This role plays a key part in driving competitive product programs, strengthening supplier partnerships, and improving overall category profitability. The Category Manager will work cross-functionally to align purchasing strategies with commercial and operational goals while ensuring strong governance and process discipline. This is a high-impact role suited for a commercially minded professional who thrives in a data-driven, relationship-focused setting.

The Role:

• Lead and manage supplier relationships, including sourcing, negotiations, and ongoing performance management for assigned product categories

• Develop and execute category strategies that balance pricing competitiveness, quality, service levels, and long-term sustainability

• Partner cross-functionally with sales, marketing, operations, and finance to design and implement effective purchasing and commercial programs

• Analyze market trends, industry dynamics, and competitive positioning to inform category decisions and future opportunities

• Own the lifecycle management of products within assigned categories, including launches, transitions, and exit strategies where required

• Act as a project lead for vendor changes, program updates, and pricing or contract modifications

• Negotiate pricing structures, contractual terms, and program details with suppliers and communicate changes internally

• Ensure purchasing activities align with governance, risk, audit, and compliance requirements

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline purchasing processes and eliminate non-value-added activity

• Support internal stakeholders by addressing category-related inquiries and escalations in a timely and professional manner

The Ideal Candidate:

• 3–5 years of experience in category management, product management, purchasing, or a comparable commercial role

• Demonstrated experience with supplier negotiations, contract management, and program execution

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, market trends, and financial impacts to support decision-making

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a cross-functional environment

• Clear, confident communication skills with the ability to present insights to internal stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related discipline

• Experience in a distribution, wholesale, or B2B environment is considered an asset

• Familiarity with project management principles or formal certification (e.g., PMP) is an advantage

• Comfortable working independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team structure

JobID#16816134