The Regional Category Manager is responsible for shaping and executing the regional category strategy in alignment with global portfolio direction. This role leads portfolio development, category lifecycle management, product launches, and go-to-market execution to drive profitable growth across the region. The position also plays a key role in defining channel and trade strategies, building commercial programs, and translating market insights into actionable business plans.
The role is expected to operate from a broad business perspective, using strong strategic thinking, structured frameworks, and clear communication to guide decisions and influence stakeholders. It is not only a portfolio management role, but also a leadership role that connects category strategy, innovation, trade and channel choices, and executional excellence.
Role Mandate
• Set the regional category direction in line with global portfolio strategy.
• Own portfolio and lifecycle decisions, including assortment, pricing, SKU vitality, and rationalization.
• Define go-to-market choices across channels, trade strategy, and commercial priorities.
• Lead product launch readiness and execution to ensure successful commercialization of innovation.
• Build strategic frameworks and business cases that support growth decisions and investment priorities.
• Communicate with clarity and influence, ensuring alignment across cross-functional and regional stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Portfolio Management
• Develop and execute the regional category strategy in line with global portfolio priorities.
• Define assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies to support growth and profitability.
• Manage the category lifecycle, including portfolio optimization, product mix decisions, and margin improvement initiatives.
• Build a compelling commercial story for the category and align it with broader business objectives.
Product Launches & Innovation
• Lead new regional product launches from planning through execution.
• Ensure successful commercialization of new products in line with strategic and financial goals.
• Support innovation planning and help translate product strategy into market-ready solutions.
Go-to-Market Execution
• Define regional go-to-market strategies, including portfolio focus, channel priorities, and trade approach.
• Design and implement category growth programs, strategic initiatives, and commercial mechanisms that accelerate performance.
• Develop sales enablement tools such as playbooks, selling materials, and training resources.
Market & Commercial Insights
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive activity to inform category decisions.
• Use data and insights to evaluate category performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure strategies are effectively executed across the business.
Required Capabilities
• Category and portfolio strategy
• Product innovation and launch management
• Brand strategy and commercial execution
• Data analysis and insight generation
• Consumer activation
• Marketing effectiveness and measurement
• Cross-functional leadership and collaboration
• Overall Business, Financial and Commercial acumen
• Strong communication and strategic planning skills
Preferred Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a strategic, business driven category leader with experience managing portfolios, launching products, and driving regional growth initiatives. They should be comfortable working across functions, turning insights into action, and balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day execution.
Benefits & Perks
You'll get a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, retirement benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Paid Time Off, including paid vacation, holidays & personal days, and tuition reimbursement. And, of course, discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and products and well as discount programs for many other vendors and partners.
What You'll Also Get
Career Opportunity: Career paths aren't linear here. Being part of our global company with 60+ brands gives you the chance to grow and develop your skills along multiple career paths.
Learning & Development:
Our lifelong learning philosophy means you'll have access to a wealth of state-of-the-art learning resources, including our Lean Academy and online university (where you can get certificates and specializations from renowned colleges and universities).
Diverse & Inclusive Culture:
We pride ourselves on being an awesome place to work. We respect and embrace differences because that's how the best work gets done. You'll find we like to have fun here, too.
Purpose-Driven Company:
You'll help us continue to make positive changes in the local communities where we work and live as well as in the broader world through volunteerism, giving back and sustainable business practices.
