Category Manager, Infrastructure Software

Category Manager, Infrastructure Software

Position Overview : As the Category Manager, Infrastructure Software 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. This role requires minimal travel.

What you'll do as the Category Manager, Infrastructure Software :

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