Category Manager - Automotive (Buyer)

Theisen's Home Farm Auto•Dubuque, IA

77d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for overseeing and optimizing the performance of a specific product category within the company by analyzing market trends, developing strategies, managing retail pricing, promoting and developing and implementing best-in-class assortments. Key duties include market research, competitor analysis, developing marketing initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve category goals.

Requirements

Strong analytical skills and data interpretation abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse teams
Strategic thinking and ability to develop effective category plans
Market knowledge and understanding of consumer behavior
Negotiation skills to manage supplier relationships
Financial acumen and budgeting expertise
Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred
3 years related experience preferred

Responsibilities

Market analysis: Conduct in-depth research on market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for category growth.
Strategy development: Create and execute category strategies including pricing, promotional plans, product assortment, and space allocation to maximize sales and profitability. Maintain a relationship with the stores to determine product opportunities.
Product management: Manage the product lifecycle within the category, including new product introductions, product discontinuation, and product positioning. Create strategic planograms utilizing store volume groups based on sales and available space.
Supplier management: Cultivate and maintain supplier relationships. Negotiate with suppliers on minimum order amount, cost, case packs, freight terms, product allocation, lead time, fill rate, payment terms, marketing funds, promotional terms, buybacks, return policies, product exclusivity, guaranteed sales etc. to optimize category profitability. Actively search for new suppliers to create a competitive supplier culture to enhance value proposition within category. Perform quarterly Category and Line Reviews to maximize assortment and program elements among suppliers.
Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, store planning, operations and DC to implement category strategies. Visit stores, utilizing front line associates to identify opportunities within the category. Participate in Buyer Committee calls quarterly to listen to our associates regarding potential opportunities.
Data analysis: Utilize systems to track category performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.