Sr. Category Manager - Lokworx & Prepworx

Job Title Sr. Category Manager – Lokworx & Prepworx Position Overview The Category Manager’s primary aim is to execute all critical go-to-market and product management initiatives to ensure sales and NDC (Net Divisional Contribution) success. This will be accomplished with specific focus on product and brand management, product assortment analysis, key business metrics development and analysis, sample/expense/inventory control, and support of Territory Managers and TotalWorx Business Development Managers in the field. Responsibilities Work with all disciplines that drive Shaw’s Lokworx & Prepworx profitability and growth, building key relationships throughout the company. Develop and manage a strategic plan for growth and profitability of our Lokworx and Prepworx businesses through all Shaw selling channels, focusing on products manufactured by Shaw; manage all product management requirements for Lokworx and Prepworx products sold by Shaw’s Commercial Division, excluding the Commercial go‑to‑market strategy. Collaborate closely with the Director of Shaw Commercial’s TotalWorx business to assist in the development of the business model and budgeting for quarterly and annual business plans. Lead change and drive innovation in each category with passion and high energy. Partner with global sourcing to develop appropriate supply partners and provide customers with the tools needed to grow their business, aiming for long‑term, profitable vendor relationships. Serve as the primary contact for the field marketing organization on product, training and marketing related issues. Communicate product and marketing plans to the field consistently and effectively; travel with field salespeople to visit key customers, learn their priorities, and develop programs that best support them. Help manage inventory levels and turns in collaboration with sourcing, inventory management and forecasting; monitor levels to minimize excess inventory and recover it promptly. Attend key markets, events and meetings at the field level to understand the market and build relationships; maintain consistent customer/salesperson interaction via travel, telephone and email. Develop and meet sample inventory metrics. Work closely with Marketing Technology to integrate these categories into the digital marketing effort. Develop and maintain accurate price lists; support DVPs and TMs with pricing strategies; establish profitable, market‑competitive pricing to achieve NDC objectives and MAS (%) targets. Manage product assortment to minimize negative effects of SKU obsolescence; plan for attrition and addition in a managed fashion. Work with Technical Services and Quality to ensure sourced products are thoroughly vetted before onboarding and consistently evaluated to maintain quality standards. Maintain a keen understanding of the competitive landscape, evaluating product features, benefits, technical performance, market pricing and origin. Follow New Product Introduction protocol/process when curating new products to onboard. Provide guidance and leadership to the Category Manager (direct report) and Coordinator (direct report) to ensure system‑level management of product portfolio. Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in flooring adhesives and/or floor prep products, including solutions for LVP, hardwood, carpet, carpet tile, moisture mitigation, patch, and self‑leveling applications. Working knowledge of flooring installation systems and the technical requirements that influence product selection and performance. Background in vendor management, cost negotiation, pricing strategy, and margin delivery for a product category. Ability to serve as an internal subject matter expert and provide technical guidance and sales support across the Lokworx and Prepworx categories. Preferred: 4‑year degree. Competencies Deliver compelling communication Make effective decisions Drive results Drive innovation Build trusting relationships Work Shift 8‑hour non‑rotating shift; shift starts AM; hours fall to in‑punch day; observed calendar. Equal Opportunity Employer Shaw Industries is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr