Category Manager
Metro
This posting is for an new temporary position until October 1, 2027
Joining our team has its advantages!
- Flexible schedule to promote work/life balance
- Telecommuting in hybrid mode
- Free parking
- Opportunity for professional development
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.
- Creates and executes layouts for new stores, renovations and re-lines ensuring maximum impact, efficiency and shopability while upholdng Merchandising and Operations standards.
- Leads layout planning meetings with Merchandising and Operations VP's and DM's/Directors. Utilizes Spectra demographic research and internal sales data to steer strategy on a store by store basis.
- Accountable for meeting overall strategy and implementation. Implement overall strategies for initiatives and set retail objectives for category. Comply with corporate and regional guidelines.
- Ensures that finalized files (including maintenance planograms) have captured all Operations and Merchandising changes (changes are frequent) and are sent to the Planogram team to be uploaded and archived in the master file .
- Set objectives to meet overall sales and profit targets.
- 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.
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
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
- Occasional travel required