Category Manager

Department: Dynablast
Location/ Territory:  Mississauga

This role is for an existing vacancy.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We create solutions for the people who keep our world flowing.

For over 80 years, John Brooks Company has been solving fluid handling challenges for customers in various industries/markets across Canada by providing a diverse selection of engineered products and innovative system designs, focusing on customized solutions consisting of filtration, pump, spray, and valve products.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the National Sales Manager, the Category Manager is responsible for managing and developing assigned equipment and component categories within the Dynablast portfolio.  With a strong project focus, the role supports the development, execution, and growth of Dynablast’s equipment offering by leading product-related initiatives such as new product introductions, equipment programs, and supplier integrations, while ensuring category offerings remain competitive, profitable, and aligned with market needs.  The Category Manager works closely with Sales, Operations, Engineering, Marketing, and key suppliers to drive category performance, support project executions, and enable sustainable growth

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute short and long-term category strategies aligned with Dynablast’s commercial objectives and target markets.
• Own assigned product portfolios, including assortment planning, lifecycle management, pricing guidelines, and margin performance.
• Conduct market and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for growth, differentiation, and improvement.
• Support new product introductions, line extensions, and product rationalization initiatives.
• Act as the category lead for project-based opportunities, including equipment configurations and applications, dealer programs, product standardization, and regional or national bids.
• Act as the project lead for Amazon, Smart-Equip, online sales, and various product-related projects and market research to provide innovative sales solutions to a broader range of customers.
• Serve as a category subject matter expert and commercial resource to internal and external sales teams.
• Develop and deliver sales enablement tools, including presentations, product overviews, competitive comparisons, and training materials.
• Participate in customer meetings, joint sales calls, and project reviews as required.
• Support product launches, promotions, and trade show initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with strategic suppliers.
• Support supplier negotiations related to pricing, programs, rebates, and commercial terms.
• Coordinate supplier involvement for training, product updates, and project-specific requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support forecasting, demand planning, and working capital optimization.
• Assist with slow-moving and excess inventory reduction initiatives.
• Monitor and report on category KPIs, including revenue, margin, inventory turns, and project performance.

Essential:

• Minimum of 6 years and up to 9 years recent, relevant experience in a category management, product management, or a project-focused commercial role.
• Experience with equipment, components, or industrial/commercial distribution environments.
• Strong understanding of Canadian distribution channels and sales support models.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting project-based customers such as contractors, municipalities, rental fleets, or national accounts.
• Exposure to pricing strategy, market analysis, and portfolio planning.
• Project-management experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·         Fast-paced environment in a dynamic competitive industry

·         Daily customer and inter-departmental/branch communication via telephone calls, faxes, emails, and virtual meetings

·         Exposure to deadlines, multiple demands and priorities, multi-tasking, and interruptions

Canadian founded and owned, John Brooks Company has doubled in size in the last 7 years to over 200 employees across the country. Since 1938, we have worked hard to build & nurture an entrepreneurial environment, where creative thought and initiative are encouraged; this is a place where your ideas matter! If you have a strong work-ethic, passion, and determination, we’ll provide the tools you need for success. We will help you grow so that we can continue growing.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Competitive remuneration including base salary ($72,000-$82,000) + incentive
• Competitive vacation
• Paid personal day program
• Generous benefits package that includes coverage for things like medical, dental, paramedical, and vision
• Company Group RRSP with employer matching
• Annual health & wellness subsidy
• Monthly car allowance and mileage reimbursement program
• Company provided iPhone, iPad, and laptop

FUN FACTS

• The average employee tenure is 9 years
• We enjoy celebrating achievements by means of formal service awards, employee achievement awards, and milestone birthdays
• We regularly host social events and gatherings to foster togetherness and fun

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment process, at the candidate’s request.

We use automated tools, including artificial intelligence, to help review applications efficiently. Human decision makers remain responsible for all hiring decisions