Category Manager Center Store Grocery
The Category Manager is accountable for meeting assigned financial targets for the assigned department(s). They lead a team of one or more Category Analysts. They are strategic, motivated, self-confident, humble, collaborative and passionate about the business –outwardly demonstrating the company’s values.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Supervising, coaching and providing feedback to direct reports, helping them attain performance excellence
• Completing performance reviews
• Analyzing sales and trends to make key assortment decisions for designated categories to maximize sales and profits
• Crafting an effective retail pricing strategy to achieve maximum profitability
• Developing, executing and reviewing promotional plans, including Ad Planner surveys for internal and external use
• Building local/regional marketing and ROP advertising and promotional strategies
• Planning the purchasing strategy for of holiday/seasonal items
• Managing and monitoring vendor deals to procure product at the best possible price to ensure profitability
• Communicating effectively with individuals in all levels within the organization and with external partners
• Coordinating special events and promotions with the Marketing/Advertising department and other departments
• Develop and implement category reviews in conjunction with space management to build plan-o-grams.
• Visiting competition to stay current on category trends, new/unique items, new/unique merchandising and retail pricing
• Attending trade shows, as needed
• Researching and replying to stores, office personnel and vendors on inquiries pertaining to assigned departments
• Other duties, as assigned
Qualifications
o Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Excel power user preferred
o 5+ years’ experience with retail pricing and merchandising
o Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or business administration preferred not required
o Must be able to travel, as required
o Store experience preferred
o Buying experience preferred
o Prior experience with Category Management and Category Management software preferred
o Experience managing complex CPG categories, like beverage alcohol required
o Strong working knowledge of the three tiered beverage distribution system preferred
o Experience analyzing both internal scan data and external source data such as Nielsen, IRI, Spectra, etc. preferred
o Must be able to work weekdays and be available weekends when required
o Able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen
