Category Director- Sporting Goods

Mid-States Distributing is seeking a strategic Category Director – Sporting Goods to lead and grow one of its key merchandise categories from its headquarters in Watauga, Tarrant County, TX. This is a full-time, on-site opportunity with a 72-year-old industry leader that generates over $7.5 billion in combined annual sales across its membership network.

About Mid-States Distributing

Mid-States Distributing is the nation's foremost Farm, Ranch, and Home retail cooperative, serving 29 independent member-owners who collectively operate approximately 700 storefronts throughout the United States. The organization supplies retailers with a wide range of merchandise — from agricultural parts and supplies to petroleum products and hardware — empowering locally owned stores to compete at scale.

About the Role

As the Category Director – Sporting Goods at Mid-States Distributing, you will own the end-to-end strategy for the sporting goods product category, driving assortment decisions, vendor relationships, and performance outcomes across the member store network in Watauga and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-range category strategy for sporting goods aligned with member retailer needs and market trends
• Negotiate vendor contracts, pricing, and promotional programs to maximize margin and member value
• Analyze sales data and market intelligence to optimize product assortment and inventory positioning
• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, marketing, and supply chain teams
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships within the sporting goods industry
• Identify growth opportunities and new product lines that serve the Farm, Ranch, and Home retail customer base

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in category management, buying, or merchandising — preferably within sporting goods or adjacent retail categories
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable category decisions
• Proven track record of vendor negotiation and relationship management
• Ability to work cross-functionally within a large, distributed retail organization
• Familiarity with cooperative or wholesale distribution models is a plus

How to Apply

To apply for the Category Director – Sporting Goods position at Mid-States Distributing in Watauga, TX, submit your application through the official listing: View full listing and apply via Adzuna.