Category Manager

Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for managing the assigned category of products including profitability, sales, advertising, category planning, vendor negotiations, SKU selection, and customer service (stores and retail consumers). 

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop sales and promotional strategies including advertising layout, theme events, seasonal opportunities and in-store demonstrations in order to achieve category targets
• Define product assortment and negotiating terms and conditions of purchase
• Set objectives to meet overall budgeted sales and profit targets
• Accountable for meeting overall strategy and implementation. Implement overall strategies for initiatives and set retail objectives for category.  Comply with corporate and regional guidelines
• Maintain promotional calendar to maximize sales and profits
• Complete periodic category reviews in selected categories in conjunction with AC Nielsen and selected members of the vendor community.  Conduct analysis of retail history, advertising success, product movement and overall category movement
• Monitor all competitive and industry activities (including trends, fads, etc.) regarding merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing and promotions and use findings to support continuous improvement and innovation in the category.  
  • Conduct biweekly competitive store visits to gain first hand insight
  • Modify category plans as needed to be responsive to customer needs
• Identify consumer requirements and develop merchandising plans to meet those requirements
• Maintain contact with Store Managers, Merchandisers, Inventory Managers, and others to answer questions or resolve issues regarding products or services in assigned business initiatives
• Monitor market conditions that impact categories within the complete retail marketing place
• Develop and enhance relationships with business partners
• Manage departmental employee relations, including performance management
• Work with Planogram Specialist to ensure that all POG’s are current and use correct data for size, shape and shelf space consideration.
   

Qualifications

• College Diploma or University degree in business related field 
• 5-7 years of retail experience (preferably within a management role) within the grocery industry
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Intermediate to Advanced level knowledge of MS office - Outlook, Word, Excel
• Proficiency with Category Management Tools such as: SAP, AC Nielsen's and Dunnhumby would be an asset
• Strong analytical skills
• Attention to detail, creative thinking, ability to manage change, strong communication skills and customer focused.
• Strong knowledge of meat cutting, balancing cuts and merchandising fresh, processed and frozen meats.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
• Occasional travel required