Category Manager develops the overall strategy for a product category and researches new product options in the category to drive sales and achieve targets. Leads a team that provides category insights and proposals by analyzing marketing and customer data and monitoring relevant market conditions. Being a Category Manager works closely with sales team to determine optimal pricing through analysis of sales trends, competitors, buying habits and planograms of products to promote sales opportunities. Provides effective promotional materials. Additionally, Category Manager may develop special arrangements with vendors to enhance product promotions. Requires a bachelor's degree of marketing. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Category Manager typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. To be a Category Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
Category Manager
Responsibilities:
Develop and execute annual category business plans including category specific roles, strategies, and tactics as well as overall marketing goals and objectives.
· Work closely with operations to ensure effective execution of all programs through store visits, in store training and all communications methods.
· Establishes pricing and margins for assigned categories. Completes competitive price surveys and looks for Price Optimization opportunities.
· Responsible for product assortment; works with Merchandising on planograms, placement, item deletion and store layouts for assigned categories.
· Coordinates and implements monthly promotions. Clearly communicate these promotions to Vendors, Price book and Operations.
· Analyze Monthly Sales data and prepare category analysis.
· Secures and administers rebates and allowances. Reconciles rebates on a quarterly basis.
· Coordinates and tracks testing of new products/equipment. Publishes results and recommendations.
· Analyze customer and market research data and reports of assigned categories.
· Develop incentive programs and contests to drive engagement of customers and store associates.
· Establish, build, and manage critical supplier relationships, including ownership across all negotiation·
· Negotiate product cost with regional vendor partners.
Background Profile:
· Category Management experience with C-stores
· Ability to travel to store locations as needed
Competencies:
· Strong analytical and organizational skills.
· Negotiations skills.
· In-depth understanding of the dynamics of the shopper and the retailer, underpinned by a deep consumer led mindset.
· Able to work across multiple external and internal touch points, an effective team player and contributor.
· Up for a challenge, able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, prioritize workload and produce high quality, accurate work.
· Attention to detail and the ability to accomplish tasks within agreed upon time frame.
· Ability to communicate in a professional and positive demeanor with associates, vendors, customers, and clients.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person