Category Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job description:

Are You a Product-Obsessed Problem Solver?

Do you love discovering the next big product before your competitors do?

Can you balance forecasting, sourcing, and category strategy like a pro?

Are you passionate about driving product innovation while keeping a close eye on profitability?

If you answered yes— KBC Tools & Machinery is looking for you! We’re on the hunt for a Category Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment, thinks strategically, and takes full ownership of the product lifecycle—from concept to web catalog.

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, working in our Sterling Heights, MI branch, Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day , this in-person role puts you at the heart of our product strategy—identifying opportunities, improving costs, launching new items, optimizing inventory, and collaborating with teams across North America. You'll be part strategist, part buyer, part trend-spotter, and all-in on execution.

What You’ll Be Doing

Product & Category Leadership

• Scout, source, and launch new products based on gap analysis and customer demand.
• Own category growth through vendor partnerships, pricing strategies, and inventory performance.
• Collaborate with marketing on product launches, web promotions, flyers, and campaigns.
• Analyze product data (margins, GMROI, turns) to make smart, profit-driving decisions.

Inventory Planning & Procurement Efficiency

• Manage stock forecasts, purchasing plans, and exceptions to ensure smooth availability.
• Reduce aged or obsolete inventory through smart exits or creative marketing strategies.
• Negotiate with vendors for better pricing, terms, and return opportunities.

Collaboration & Strategy

• Provide guidance and support to colleagues while fostering the sharing of product expertise across various departments.
• Work with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to align business goals.
• Stay on top of industry trends, especially in metalworking—and bring insights into the business.

You’re a Great Fit If You Have...

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a related field is preferred.
• Tooling and Machinery knowledge is an asset.
• College diploma, university degree, or procurement designation (CPP/CSCMP) preferred.
• Strong vendor negotiation and sourcing experience.
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort with ERP systems. Profit 21 experience is a plus!
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and a sense of urgency.
• Leadership qualities and excellent communication skills.
• Experience using platforms like Amazon, eBay, etc. is a bonus.

We Are

KBC Tools, Inc. – We are a team dedicated to getting our clients what they need, when they need it, and keeping the USA and Canada manufacturing one tool at a time. We've been in business since 1965, and we have tens of thousands of clients in the M.R.O. industry with a specialization in metalworking.

Our clients rely upon us every day, and we give them what they need at great prices and fast & friendly service. It's easy with over 100,000 industrial items in stock, in our web catalogue and online. KBC is a one-stop shop for those in the metalworking and M.R.O. world with a full offering of: Abrasives, Cutting Tools, Carbide Tooling, Fluids, Measuring & Inspection, Toolroom Accessories, Hand Tools, Shop Supplies, Power & Air Tools, and Industrial Machinery. Whether you are looking for a ¼-20 Tap, Ball End Mill, Reversible Air Drill, Machinist Clamping Set, Lathe Chuck, Drill Chuck, Fly Cutter, Vises or a new Lathe, Grinder, or CNC Milling Machine – KBC has got you covered for all your industrial needs – ALL METAL…ALL THE TIME!

We compete in the industrial world with local competitors like PTS, E&R Industrial, as well as national houses such as Fastenal, MSC Direct, and Grainger with a strong combination of in-depth inventory of name brand and world class products and a huge commitment to customer service so that our clients know that they can rely upon us day in and day out.

We take care of every order to ensure that we do what we say and say what we do. Our business is not based on getting that one BIG order but ensuring that our clients keep on coming back...and they do! That's why we've been doing what we've been doing now for over 60 years.

If you’re ready to own your product strategy and make a tangible impact— apply today.
We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.