Category Analyst

Bunzl Distribution NA

Category Analyst managing non-consumable product portfolios, supplier relationships, and costing strategies for Bunzl’s distribution business. Driving profitable growth across Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks categories.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeMO, Morton Grove, Remote, St. Louis • Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $65,000 - $70,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Category Management with a focus on revenue growth, supplier relationship management, and market analysis. Proven ability to develop and implement strategies that enhance product performance and optimize inventory management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Category Management ExperienceNegotiation SkillsMarket AnalysisSupplier Relationship ManagementProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Category-Specific StrategiesProduct Costing PoliciesMarket IntelligenceAssortment StrategiesInventory ManagementRisk AssessmentSales PrinciplesProduct DevelopmentContract ManagementAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

Relationship-BuildingCommunication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsTime-Management Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeExcelWordPowerPointOutlook

Industry Keywords

Distribution ExperiencePackagingJanitorial SuppliesOffice SuppliesEAS Tagging SuppliesSnacksSupplier Performance ManagementProduct Lifecycle ManagementMarket TrendsProduct Line Rationalization

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement category-specific strategies to drive revenue growth
Own assigned product category performance and manage overall portfolio health
Develop new category opportunities and increase Bunzl Retail Services’ market footprint
Engage suppliers to develop and implement profitable-growth initiatives
Monitor category health, product lifecycles, market trends, competitive products, and manufacturer production schedules
Develop assortment strategies and leverage market intelligence to validate and benchmark costs
Develop Top Value Collection product opportunities
Develop product costing policies and negotiate best-cost vendor programs
Rationalize and consolidate product lines to improve inventory turns and volume cost opportunities
Manage supplier relationships and execute supplier performance management initiatives
Manage multiple category projects, meet timelines, and provide proactive status communication
Establish category ownership with internal and external stakeholders
Support sales staff with special product requirements and costing
Improve go-to-market strategy and speed of new product implementation

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school diploma or equivalent required
Bachelor’s degree required
4+ years’ experience in Category Management or relevant business experience required
Distribution experience strongly preferred
Experience in Packaging/Corrugated, Janitorial, Office Supplies, EAS Tagging Supplies, and Snacks is a plus
Proven track record of taking ideas from the ground up to launch
Solid knowledge of marketing and sales principles
Highly developed negotiation and best-in-class practices experience
Ability to assess and manage contractual, operational, financial, and business risk
Working knowledge of raw materials used in food service, janitorial, and processor packaging preferred
Existing working relationship with packaging material manufacturers preferred
Ability to work effectively across a matrix global organization
Ability to create partnership atmospheres with internal and external resources
Exceptional EQ and influencing skills
Ability to work collaboratively across multifunctional teams
Strong relationship-building, communication, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to develop and drive recommendations through the organization
Strong planning, organizational, time-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to multitask and change direction quickly and often
Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Benefits

Comp & perks

Up to a 10% bonus opportunity
Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits first of the month following 30 days
Flex Care and Health Care Spending Account
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
Parental Leave
401K with generous company match
Tuition Reimbursement program