[Hiring] Category Manager @Zayo Group

Role Description

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Category Manager to own the performance, growth, and profitability of Network Electronics & Fiber Optic Cable categories. This role is responsible for developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, driving sourcing initiatives, analyzing market trends, and partnering cross-functionally to optimize commercial outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with commercial acumen, supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Management
  • Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Manage the overall health and performance of assigned categories, including revenue, margin, cost savings, and supplier performance.
  • Identify growth opportunities, market gaps, and category optimization initiatives.
  • Create and maintain category roadmaps, sourcing plans, and business cases.
• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
  • Lead sourcing events, RFPs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and supplier selection processes.
  • Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships.
  • Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing structures, risk profiles, and performance metrics.
  • Negotiate favorable commercial terms, service levels, and contractual agreements.
  • Drive supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Market & Competitive Analysis
  • Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, pricing movements, and supplier landscapes.
  • Conduct spend analysis and identify opportunities for consolidation, standardization, and cost optimization.
  • Benchmark products, services, suppliers, and pricing against market conditions.
  • Provide recommendations based on market intelligence and data-driven insights.
• Financial & Performance Management
  • Analyze category spend, revenue, margin, savings, and operational performance.
  • Develop forecasts, budgets, and performance targets for assigned categories.
  • Track and report category KPIs and business outcomes.
  • Identify and mitigate supply, pricing, and commercial risks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Procurement, Operations, Sales, Product, Finance, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to align category initiatives.
  • Influence decision-making through data, business cases, and strategic recommendations.
  • Support implementation of category changes, supplier transitions, and sourcing strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procurement standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in category management, supply chain, strategic sourcing, procurement, merchandising, or related commercial functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading supplier negotiations and contract management activities.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive business decisions.
• Experience managing spend, revenue, margin, or category performance metrics.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Requirements

• Estimated base salary range: $68,100 - $104,700 USD/annually.
• The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role.
• Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
• Non-sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan.
• Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan.

Benefits

• Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
• Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave