Associate Category Manager

RJ Schinner is celebrating 75 years of business! Our journey started back in 1951. Today, we’re proud to have 20 distribution centers across the U.S. and a team of 600+ amazing people, all working together to keep distributors in 48 states stocked with the essentials – from paper goods and foodservice packaging to cleaning supplies.

Headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI, we’re proud to be recognized as one of Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 most successful private companies and recognized by BizTimes’ Future 50 Program as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in southeastern Wisconsin.

But what really matters? The people behind it all. When you join RJ Schinner, you’re not just taking a job — you’re becoming part of a team that values hard work, celebrates success, and believes in growing together.

Schedule: Monday – Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | In-Office Only

Summary

Associate Category Manager will be responsible for assisting the category manager for a specified group of product categories and/or suppliers at RJ Schinner for all regions. He/she will be responsible for assisting the category manager in meeting performance targets for sales, margin and inventory turns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Compile analytical reporting to be reviewed to help category manager select vendors for both branded and private label products in a specified category
• Communicate with designated suppliers to ensure vendor compliance with RJ policies
• Provide reporting to aid in the selection of items for promotions
• Partner with the category manager to review pricing from suppliers and be prepared to communicate and help resolve any issues related to pricing
• Support category manager and buyer with identifying slow/non-moving inventory
• Complete sample review and analysis for potential new products or suppliers as well as defective quality analysis when needed
• Coordinate with category manager to help meet or exceed category expectations for sales, margin, and inventory turns.
• Manage assigned supplier relationships which includes negotiation of overall payment terms, rebates, marketing support, Journey support and backhaul opportunities.
• Drive joint business planning conversations with assigned suppliers to develop mutually beneficial annual goals.
• Develop marketing plans throughout the year for assigned suppliers to include negotiation of supplier spending, communication to all necessary parties on campaigns, implementation of all campaigns and post roll out analysis of campaigns and proof of performance to supplier partners.
• Lead vendor evaluation and score card review for assigned suppliers
• Possible travel required per company needs
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Requires good oral and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• High level of Excel, Word and Outlook
• ERP system experience
• Product analysis in a redistribution environment

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business with emphasis on supply chain /marketing or two years of purchasing work experience.

Working Environment

The majority of the workday is spent in an office environment. Noise level is moderate. This may vary depending upon specific department projects.

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and/or hear; occasionally required to stand, and/or walk. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds while moving files, samples, or small packages. Specific vision abilities are required for this job which may include close vision, sound, ability to adjust focus, manual dexterity for computer keyboard and equipment usage.

Location: On-Site | N89W14700 Patrita Drive | Menomonee Falls WI | 53051 | www.rjschinner.com

R.J. Schinner Co., Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire and promote for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, or veteran status. All terms and conditions of employment are administered on the basis of equality.