Category Strategy & Financial Performance Develop and execute a 13-year category strategy aligned with company growth objectives Drive revenue, gross margin, and inventory performance (turns, GM, DOS) Identify white space opportunities, line expansions, and rationalization initiatives Lead cost savings initiatives, rebate optimization, and margin improvement programs Build and maintain category scorecards and KPIs Supplier Management Serve as primary commercial contact for strategic bearing suppliers (e.g., SKF, Timken, NTN, NSK, Schaffler, RBC, etc.) Negotiate pricing, rebates, freight terms, payment terms, and inventory programs Lead Joint Business Planning (JBP) with key suppliers Monitor supplier performance (OTIF, lead times, quality, cost changes) Manage supply risk and dual-source strategies where appropriate Inventory & Demand Planning Collaborate with SIOP/Demand Planning to optimize stocking strategy and safety stock levels Manage lifecycle (NPI, phase-in/phase-out, obsolescence mitigation) Improve forecast accuracy and reduce excess/slow-moving inventory Align stocking strategies with customer segment needs Pricing & Market Intelligence Collaborate with Pricing and Commercial team to develop competitive pricing strategies by segment and channel Monitor market trends including steel costs, import pressures, tariff exposure, and competitive activity Partner with Sales to support large bids, project pricing, and contract negotiations Cross Functional Leadership Partner with Sales to drive category growth initiatives and training Support Marketing on promotions, campaigns, and technical positioning Coordinate with Operations to address capacity, lead times, and logistics constraints Present category performance updates to executive leadership Qualifications: To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Technical & Commercial Skills: Strong financial acumen (margin analysis, rebate modeling) Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel Understanding of industrial bearing applications (motors pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, etc) Experience managing vendor agreements and contracts Leadership & Competencies: Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability Effective negotiator with executive presence Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority Strong communication and presentation skills Results-driven with high ownership mentality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Supplier rebate attainment Inventory turns & working capital reduction On-time supplier performance Cost savings delivered New product / line expansion impact Work Environment: Hybrid Travel up to 25% for supplier visits, trade shows, and customer meetings This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all requirements and responsibilities and as such, is subject to change without notice based on the needs of the business and/or department.