Assistant Category Merchant

Job Description

Assistant Category Merchant - MN

Location: Austin, TX - Must be available to work onsite in downtown Austin as needed.

Pay: $30 - $35/hr

Contract Duration: 6-months to 1-year based on performance, with the possibility of being extended and/or going permanent.

The Assistant Category Merchant will support 1-2 Category Merchants in planning and executing category strategy, assortment planning, pricing and promotions, cost negotiations and quality standards and compliance processes. Responsible for financial reporting and analysis in joint business performance accountability with Category Merchants. Collaborates and works closely with Inventory Planning, Merchandise Presentation and Execution, Operations, Local Foragers, Quality Standards and Quality Assurance, Enterprise Analytics, Marketing, and our Supplier and Distributor partners to effectively deliver on category goals and strategies.

Responsibilities

· Supports category, merchandising, promotional and pricing strategy development, analysis and execution.

· Supports category assortment planning, including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, stakeholder collaboration, item planning and forecasting.

· With guidance, engages with support team and other stakeholders to translate assortment plans into merchandising plans and help with project execution.

· Plans and executes logistics for key events including supplier line reviews, supplier meetings, sampling events, etc.

· Maintains list of supplier contacts and supports supplier communication as needed (e.g. weekly conference call set up, meeting / call notes and recaps).

· Supports new item distribution designations during assortment planning process

· Maintains and updates appropriate system(s) content and helps with other documentation and reporting as assigned.

· Facilitates information sharing between all applicable stakeholders.

· Assists with category reset and revisions processes, promotional support, samples and sample room maintenance and with data management as needed.

· Performs and/or assists with data analysis and reporting.

· May own the process for a category insights and strategy presentation.

· Supports leadership and works closely with team leaders on assigned work.

· Seeks guidance and support as required.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

* Strong skills utilizing Microsoft Office applications.

* Detail-oriented with strong planning and execution skills.

* Must be flexible and can handle working with ambiguity.

* Team player with a positive attitude.

* Ability to work independently and in a group.

* Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal and listening.

* Ability to deal effectively and comfortably with various stakeholders.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality.

* Passion for Organics, Fair Trade, Quality Standards and the Natural Foods industry.

* Familiar with category management concepts, practices and procedures.

* Demonstrates intellectual and analytical curiosity.

* Able to read financial reports, spot business trends and assess underlying drivers of results.

* Understands necessity of tailoring communication to meet audience needs.

Education & Experience

· BA/BS degree and 2-4 years' relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

· Experience in a Grocery or Retail environment back-office management preferred

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestr
To apply please email your resume to ndewitte@ultimatestaffing.com