Category Manager – Digital

Patterson isn't just a place to work, it's a partner that cares about your success.

One of the distinguishing marks of our company is the talented people who embrace the people-first, always advancing, and results-driven culture. Professional growth abounds in this motivating environment. We value the diverse talents and experiences our employees bring to Patterson and believe that they build a stronger and successful organization.

The Category Manager is accountable for the planning, execution, and optimization of assigned categories across assortment, pricing, promotions, procurement, and supplier partnerships. This position synthesizes market, customer, and performance insights into recommendations that maximize revenue, margin, and share across distribution channels. The position collaborates cross functionally to influence decisions and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

• Analyze category performance, customer account behaviors (e.g., purchasing patterns, product requirements, price expectations) and market dynamics to identify opportunities that drive revenue, margin, and category health
• Create, maintain, and interpret reports and dashboards to explain category performance and business drivers across distribution channels
• Partner with internal teams and suppliers/manufacturers on sourcing execution; align pricing, promotions, and assortment to achieve category goals and account based sales objectives; ensure adherence to supplier governance and procurement practices
• Monitor category, supplier, and channel performance targets, identify risks, gaps, and opportunities to enhance profitability
• Identify and recommend enhancements across promotional planning, distribution efficiency, and sales processes
• Evaluate category placement and visibility needs within distribution environments and digital shelves using space management/ assortment management principles and category tools and analytics to support sales effectiveness
• Comply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned

Essential Functions: Dental US

• Engage the field and sales teams by supporting category and vendor specific plans, delivering and facilitating product and category training, and assisting with assigned vendor programs, events, trade shows, and regional or local activities; may track and report on field engagement or training effectiveness to support higher levels of sales accountability and execution

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent education and/or experience
• 2 years of category management, sourcing or procurement experience

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in distribution, supply chain, or B2B sales environments

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills; ability to interpret complex datasets and translate insights into actionable recommendations
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, able to present insights to cross functional teams and leadership
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal partners, suppliers, and manufacturers
• Negotiation, influencing and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities maintaining quality, timeliness and accuracy
• Strong spreadsheet and modeling skills; familiarity with category management and sourcing tools

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Communicate/Hearing Frequently
• Communicate/Talking Frequently
• Learn New Tasks or Concepts Frequently
• Make Timely Decisions in the Context of a Workflow Frequently
• Complete Tasks Independently Constantly
• Maintain Focus Constantly
• Remember Processes & Procedures Constantly
• Stationary Position (Seated) Constantly
• Vision Constantly
• Hand/Eye Coordination Occasionally
• Bend Rarely
• Complete Tasks in a Noisy Environment Rarely
• Feeling/Grasping/Handling Rarely
• Move/Traverse Rarely
• Repetitive Motions Rarely

Working Environment

• Hazards Occasionally

Environmental Conditions

• Office: this position primarily operates in a professional office environment in which team members occupy desks in assigned areas or at meeting/collaboration spaces within the building. The building's primary work areas consist of desks, chairs, computers, and other office equipment and devices for professional services.
• Remote: This position primarily completes work from a remote setting, most commonly, a home office. This may be referenced as flexible workplace.

Travel Requirements

• 0% This position does not require travel.

What's In It For You:

We provide competitive benefits, unique incentive programs and rewards for our eligible employees:

• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits and an integrated Wellness Program

• 401(k) Match Retirement Savings Plan

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Holiday Pay & Floating Holidays

• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

• Educational Assistance Program

• Full Paid Parental and Adoption Leave

• LifeWorks (Employee Assistance Program)

• Patterson Perks Program

The potential compensation range for this role is below. The final offer amount could exceed this range, based on various factors such as candidate location (geographical labor market), experience, and skills.

EEO Statement

Patterson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.