The Director, Category Planning is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving category performance through data-driven planning, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. This role supports the development and execution of organizational goals, leveraging advanced analytics, financial acumen, and technology to optimize outcomes. The Director will manage a high-performing team, foster innovation, and ensure continuous improvement across data and analytics processes and systems.

What Category Planning contributes to Cardinal Health:
Category Planning is responsible for the aggregation, reporting and forecasting of designated businesses and their P&L. Supports Category Management team on building category financial plans that support and drive the desired financial results that increase market share and exceed customer expectations.
 

Responsibilities:

Strategic Category Planning:

• Develop and implement category analytics and reviews that support business objectives, leveraging market insights, financial data, and performance metrics.

Financial Management & Accountability:

• Lead budgeting and forecasting efforts for the category planning team. Ensure accurate tracking of team performance against goals using tools such as MBO files and reporting dashboards.

Analytics & Innovation:

• Champion the use of advanced analytics and emerging technologies (e.g., AI) to enhance reporting capabilities and decision-making processes.

Technology & Systems Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement of systems and tools through strategic IT roadmap development and capital deployment (e.g., BRITS).

Vendor & Third-Party Management:

• Lead negotiations and manage third-party data agreements, ensuring timely execution of RFPs and renewals.

Cross-Functional Problem Solving:

• Collaborate across departments to address complex challenges, such as system retirements and process redesigns (e.g., Teradata retirement).

Leadership & Talent Development:

• Provide strong leadership to the category planning& analytics team. Focusing on talent development, succession planning, and fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor?s degree in related field, or equivalent work experience, preferred
• Proven experience in budgeting and financial performance tracking
• Demonstrated success in driving analytics innovation and leveraging AI tools
• Experience implementing IT strategy and managing technology roadmaps
• Experience with third-party data providers a plus
• Ability to solve complex problems through cross-functional collaboration
• Leadership experience with a focus on team development and succession planning

What is expected of you and others at this level:

• Provides leadership to managers and experienced professional staff; may also manage front line supervisors
• Manages an organizational budget
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to achieve organizational goals
• Assists in the development of functional strategy
• Decisions have an extended impact on work processes, outcomes, and customers
• Interacts with internal and/or external leaders, including senior management
• Persuades others into agreement in sensitive situations while maintaining positive relationships

Anticipated salary range: $116,500 - $197,010

Bonus eligible: Yes

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

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• 401k savings plan
• Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Work-Life resources
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy lifestyle programs

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.

Application window anticipated to close: 11/14/2025 **if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.

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.