What Category Management contributes to Cardinal Health

At Cardinal Health, the marketing organization is the central hub of business driving activity. Marketing takes the lead on all aspects of the marketing mix – product, price, place, people and promotion. Marketing analyzes customer behavior to understand their needs, and motivations, broadly defines and communicates the brand purpose and passionately delivers total solutions for our customers.

 

Category management is responsible for cross functional collaboration that helps to deliver sales, profitability and inventory productivity goals by capitalizing on retail marketplace and shopper trends in designated categories. Manages and optimizes supplier relationships and product portfolio to drive financial results, increase market share and exceed customer expectations.

At Cardinal Health, our Category Management teams are at the forefront of shaping consumer-centric strategies that drive market leadership, customer value, and enterprise performance.

Position Overview

The Senior Category Manager will lead a high-performing team responsible for driving category strategy, supplier internal and external partnerships, and influence strategic priorities.

This role is pivotal in delivering sales, margin, and inventory productivity targets by translating marketplace and shopper insights into actionable plans. This person will serve as a cross-functional integrator—partnering across Suppliers, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Inventory, Operations, and Regulatory to deliver best-in-class execution and customer outcomes.

ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership: Develop and execute category strategies that align with enterprise goals, drive market share, and deliver financial performanceTeam Development: Lead and mentor a team of category managers; foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvementSupplier Management: Key external-facing leader—representing Cardinal Health in strategic supplier engagements and shaping the direction of category growth. This person will play a critical role in influencing supplier strategies and fostering collaborative partnerships that drive mutual value Cross-Functional Collaboration: proactively engage and align with cross-functional partners. Success in this role requires not only deep category expertise but also the ability to integrate perspectives across teams—ensuring that strategies are fully informed, executable, and enterprise-alignedMarket Intelligence: Leverage data and insights (e.g., Nielsen/IRI) to inform decisions, identify trends, and anticipate shifts in consumer behaviorP&L Ownership: Oversee full P&L for assigned categories and team portfolio; manage performance metrics and deliver against financial commitments

QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field, preferred7+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or retail strategyProven leadership experience with direct team management and cross-functional influenceStrong analytical and financial acumen; ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable strategiesExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with syndicated data tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI) preferred

What is expected of you and others at this level

Manages department operations and supervises professional employees, front line supervisors and/or business support staffParticipates in the development of policies and procedures to achieve specific goalsEnsures employees operate within guidelinesDecisions have a short term impact on work processes, outcomes and customersInteracts with subordinates, peers, customers, and suppliers at various management levels; may interact with senior managementInteractions normally involve resolution of issues related to operations and/or projectsGains consensus from various parties involved

Anticipated salary range: $103,500 - $155,295

Bonus eligible: Yes

Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

Medical, dental and vision coveragePaid time off planHealth savings account (HSA)401k savings planAccess to wages before pay day with myFlexPayFlexible spending accounts (FSAs)Short- and long-term disability coverageWork-Life resourcesPaid parental leaveHealthy lifestyle programs

Application window anticipated to close: 10/05/2025 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.

The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

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Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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