Category Manager, Data Center
Description
About Zones
Zones is a Global Solution Provider of end-to-end IT solutions with an unmatched supply chain. Positioned to be the IT partner you need, Zones, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in business for over 35 years, specializes in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, Security, and Managed/Professional/Staffing services. Operating in more than 120 countries, leveraging a robust portfolio, and utilizing the highest certification levels from key partners, including Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, Adobe, and more, Zones has mastered the science of building digital infrastructures that change the way business does business ensuring whatever they need, they can Consider IT Done. Follow Zones, LLC on Twitter @Zones, and LinkedIn and Facebook.
Position Overview
As the Category Manager, Data Center you are given ownership of product merchandising and OEM partner program execution, the responsibility to think strategically and make data-driven decisions, and the ability to drive significant impact to the client experience and business results. The Category Manager is tasked with effectively managing category assets and delivering on key financial metrics.
Key Responsibilities
- The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Provide weekly executive visibility on category performance
- Execute against the go-to-market strategy for the category
- Own the merchandising and classification of products in the category. Manage the products, pricing, promotion, and placement for industry velocity SKUs
- Review and assess the industry and category landscape, looking for key trends, shifts in market dynamics, and new disruptive technologies and make recommendations for corporate implementation
- Review industry reports (Gartner, IDC, Forrester, NPD) and analytics to ensure Zones is partnering with market leaders and identifying emerging OEMs
- Develop/Analyze segmentation within ecosystem of target markets
- Understand and communicate the partner product roadmap and go-to-market strategy for growth in targeted markets/segments
- Communicate partner strategy and lead-with guidance to Sales, Solutions, & Professional Services Teams
- Facilitate business reviews with partner executives, in collaboration with partner marketing and supply chain teams
- Execute cross-team alignment with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and other departments to ensure success of company initiatives
Achieve category-specific revenue and gross margin growth objectives
- Manage and report on key category metrics against plan
- Track & assess sales performance and implement plans to enhance product margins and overall profitability
- Drive to targets for specific categories and brands by utilizing Zones breadth of marketing vehicles
- Leverage partner programs to maximize profitability; drive awareness through Zones resources and Zones communication vehicles
Achieve category Partner Contribution (PC) goals
- Volume Incentive Rebates (VIR): Understand targets and track via weekly updates; enable sales to achieve targets through marketing, incentives, initiatives and communication
- Partner-Funded Headcount: Recommend and implement investment proposals for strategic partners supported by compelling return-on-investment results
- Negotiate net new VIR programs based on Zones sales revenue
- Negotiate targets for existing partners based on market research and industry growth
Understand and implement partner programs to drive increased profitability for the category
- Evangelize deal registration programs to drive adoption across sales segments
- Execute acquisition programs available from the partner community to drive client adoption
- Identify and implement additional programs to facilitate sales adoption (Trade-in, Demo, Proof-of-Concept, Competitive Displacement, etc.)
- Align and collaborate with partner marketing for execution of all marketing programs to ensure adherence to marketing strategies with partners
Demonstrate fluency with and effective management of key financial metrics and category assets
- Review category pricing strategy and gross margin yields; initiate changes to maximize profitability
- Review aged receivables; leverage relationships with partners to gain closure
Serve as the category expert
- Review industry velocity products, and make recommendations on stocking and pricing strategy
- Conduct formal business reviews, and present category/brand trends on growth, market share, product mix, client mix and other key metrics
- Conduct market research, attend trainings, and obtain knowledge to execute the category strategy
- Build credibility with partners by demonstrating category expertise
Manage overall partner incentive strategy
- Establish and execute incentives that support the category strategy
- Oversee administration from development to payment
Manage certifications and authorizations required by strategic partners
- Make recommendations on key areas to advance Zones authorization levels with key partners
Act as the facilitator to resolve issues with partners and internal operations team
- Contract facilitation and renewal
- Product classifications
- General orchestration of cross-departmental issues
Qualified candidates can expect a salary range of $65,000 - $95,000.
Note: Compensation is benchmarked on local Washington area market rates. Qualified candidates in other locations can expect a salary package that may be adjusted based off applicable cost of wages in their respective location.
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Zones offers a comprehensive Benefits package
While we’re committed to providing top-tier solutions, we’re just as committed to supporting our own team. Our employees enjoy a variety of comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching provision, paid time off, and much more. And as a Minority Business Enterprise, a Corporate Plus member of the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council, and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, our community is just as diverse.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.
At Zones, work is more than a job –with exciting careers with a global team who are client centric, have a passion for tech, who embrace change and lifelong learning in a collaborative culture. If you’re interested in working on the cutting edge of IT innovation, sales, engineering, operations, administration, and more, Zones is the place for you!
While we’re committed to providing top-tier solutions, we’re just as committed to supporting our own team. Our employees enjoy a variety of comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching provision, paid time off, and much more. And as a Minority Business Enterprise, a Corporate Plus member of the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council, and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, our community is just as diverse.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.
At Zones, work is more than a job –with exciting careers with a global team who are client centric, have a passion for tech, who embrace change and lifelong learning in a collaborative culture. If you’re interested in working on the cutting edge of IT innovation, sales, engineering, operations, administration, and more, Zones is the place for you!