Job Description

Description

The Category Manager identifies current and future capabilities/trends in the market, determines suppliers’ positions in the Darley portfolio as well as in the industry landscape, and executes by teaming with leading suppliers in that space. The Category Manager maintains an overall understanding of Darley’s supply chain within their respective category, manages risk and drives revenue by partnering with key suppliers. The Category Manager will be responsible for their overall market, with a primary focus on key accounts that align with the company’s mission, values, and strategic growth plans. 

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.

Darley Defense, a division of the W.S. Darley company, specializes in using existing contracts to distribute products and services to the Federal Government. Darley Defense specializes in special operational equipment and fire and emergency services.

Requirements

1. Identify, establish, and foster relationships with leading suppliers in a defined market space.  

• Identify and acquire new suppliers through market research, industry conferences, and networking.
• Execute teaming agreements based on aligning suppliers’ needs and Darley’s unique value-add.
• Vet prospective suppliers through risk analysis and mitigation, conducting site visits as necessary.
• Educate suppliers on how Darley operates and establish partnership   expectations. 
• Negotiate teaming agreements, pricing, and terms.
• Maintain current key supplier profiles and records including, but not limited to, pricing, product offering, POC’s, risk profile. 
• Drive supplier satisfaction through exceptional account management to include account expansion, in-person visits, ongoing program management support, partner education, and overall responsiveness and professionalism.
• Understand and manage supplier’s performance relating to contract compliance, quality, delivery, and other factors that determine Darley’s success as a government contractor.

2. Perform as a SME within a defined market space 

• Effectively communicate details of Darley supplier relationships and observed market trends to the Darley Sales Team. Attend joint customer calls as needed.
• Attend force lead/BD syncs and exchange relevant information to verify market viability.
• Advise on and coordinate supplier involvement in Darley trade show booth displays and marketing initiatives.
• Advise Marketing and Contracts Teams on supplier prioritization and product recommendations for various E-commerce and promotional platforms.

3. Identify and manage risk in Darley’s supply chain. 

• Assess and make recommendations to supply partner director on select supplier prepayments and high-risk opportunities. 
• Review select prepayments, determine risk, advise on mitigation needed for approval. Work with sales/BD on mitigation as needed with the goal of getting opportunities approved.  
• Identify high risk suppliers and work within our QMS to address it.   

4. Provide guidance to supply partner representative(s) on relationship maintenance with all Darley suppliers. 

• Assist in executing dealer agreements, identifying risk and onboarding where needed. 
• Collaborate in order to maintain a clear understanding of our supplier base. 

5. Drive direct and indirect revenue and profitability for the organization.

• Secure Darley business through teaming arrangements that capitalize on Darley’s value-added operational capabilities.
• Provide category and partner guidance to Darley’s Sales & BD Teams to build a robust pipeline with high close probability.

Supervisory Responsibility  

This position currently has no supervisory responsibilities.  

Work Environment  

This job operates in a professional office environment. 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  

1. 3-5 years relationship management experience.  

2. Government contracting experience or similar. 

3. A minimum of two years in a professional business role.

Skills  

1. Relationship Oriented. 

2. Teamwork. 

3. Organization  

Benefits Offered

1. PTO

2. Paid Holidays

3. Tuition Reimbursement

4. Health & Wellness Reimbursement

5. Medical

6. Dental

7. Vision

8. Life & Disability

9. HSA with Darley contribution

10. FSA

11. 401K/Roth with match and profit sharing

12. 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. 

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