This listing does not state pay. Across 32 open category manager listings that state pay, the middle half runs $109,500 to $136,000 and the median is $124,000.

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Among purchasing managers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for purchasing managers: 20% (some).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

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

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.

$68,300.00 - $88,766.67

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.