Job Description

Description

The Category Manager serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Company in an assigned segment of the market. They identify current and future capabilities/trends in the market, determine Suppliers’ positions in the Darley portfolio as well as in the industry landscape, and team with leading Suppliers in that segment to propel Darley forward.  The Category Manager maintains an overall understanding of Darley’s supply chain within their respective category, manages risk and drives revenue by partnering with the Sales Team and Key Suppliers to satisfy Customer needs. The Category Manager is responsible for their overall market, with a primary focus on key accounts that align with the company’s mission, values, and strategic growth plans.  The Category Manager reports to the Director of the Supply Partner Team.  

About W.S. Darley & Co: Founded in 1908, W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) remains a family owned and operated business, supplying the highest quality equipment solutions to its military and first responder customers. With origins in the equipment distribution and Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers a family of leading innovate emergency equipment brands and innovative solutions. Darley prides itself on delivering the highest quality solutions and services from its corporate headquarters in Itasca, IL and its’ ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing operations in Chippewa Falls, WI and Janesville, IA. Darley also maintains offices is six countries worldwide.

Requirements

• Build and maintain relationships with existing Suppliers by conducting periodic Supplier update meetings/calls and visits.  
• Identify new Suppliers through market research, industry conferences, and networking.
• Onboard new Suppliers through an established process that includes: research, risk analysis, site visits and operations assessment. 
• Execute teaming agreements based on aligning Suppliers’ needs and Darley’s unique value-add. Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions.
• Educate Suppliers on how Darley operates and establish partnership expectations. 
• Drive Supplier satisfaction through exceptional account management of assigned accounts, in-person visits, ongoing program management support, partner education, and overall responsiveness and professionalism.
• Ensure the Key Suppliers are updated and briefed on our contracts, personnel changes, company news and strategic trends in the industry. 
• Drive and advise Sales and Business Development Teams on best Suppliers to use on opportunities and stay on the periphery of those deals until it has closed.  
• Look for and maximize margin potential by assisting / leading in the negotiation of terms on designated deals. 
• Educate and advise the Suppliers on Dealer of Record (DOR) OR programs and champion our teaming agreements.
• Conduct site visits to our Top Supplier Accounts and Third Party Integrators (Kitting Companies) to ensure the business is operating as expected. 
• Pre-plan, schedule and conduct meetings with Suppliers at the many industry trade shows and conventions to ensure we stay front of mind in a competitive environment. 
• Understand and assess Supplier’s performance relating to contract compliance, quality, delivery, and other factors that determine Darley’s success as a government contractor. Where deviations are discovered, build options, escalate to management to and assist in corrective action. 
• Maintain current Supplier profiles and records in Salesforce that include: Supplier account page, Points of Contact, DOR forms, Meeting notes, Pricing information and Product spec sheets.
• Participate in cross-functional team initiatives that drive Supplier satisfaction (Marketing, Inside Sales, Outside Sales, Operations).
• Generate and analyze monthly data reports that illustrate Suppliers’ positions within the Defense and Darley landscape; provide frequent communication of data and analysis to other team members.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job operates in a professional office environment and/or remote environment at both the Itasca and remote offices. This role routinely uses company standard office equipment such as computer and cell phones.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK 

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or as otherwise required.

TRAVEL

This position requires up to 40% travel.

Education

Bachelor's  degree in a business discipline or equivalent experience.

Experience

• 3-5 years  Supplier management experience. 
• Government contracting or similar experience. 
• A minimum  of 4 years in a professional business role or similar. 

Skills

• Strategic thought process on how markets & segments operate 
• Ability  to develop deep technical and/or tactical understanding of systems and  technology 
• Relationship oriented
• Teamwork
• Organization 

Benefits Offered

• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health & Wellness Reimbursement
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability
• HSA with Darley contribution
• FSA
• 401K/Roth with match and profit sharing
• Darley paid life insurance

AAP/EEO Statement

Darley is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Salary Description

$90,000-$100,000

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