Category Manager Buyer

El Rio Grande Latin Market Careers•Dallas, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager Buyer is responsible for managing and overseeing assigned product categories within a retail or supermarket environment. This role involves identifying and sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing inventory, developing pricing and promotion strategies, and collaborating with various departments to ensure category growth and profitability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail buying, procurement, and category management, with excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in buying, procurement, or category management within a retail or supermarket environment.
Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships.
In-depth knowledge of retail buying processes, inventory management, and pricing strategies.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experience using inventory management or procurement software.

Nice To Haves

Supply Chain Management, Retail, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Identify, source, and select suppliers for product categories based on quality, price, and supply chain reliability.
Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts with suppliers to maximize cost-effectiveness while maintaining product quality.
Place and manage orders, ensuring that stock levels align with demand forecasts and sales trends.
Manage and oversee the assigned product category, ensuring a diverse and competitive range of products that meet customer needs.
Conduct regular analysis of sales data, customer trends, and market conditions to optimize product selection and assortment.
Monitor product performance and recommend adjustments to pricing, promotions, or product offerings.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure high service levels, timely deliveries, and resolution of any supply issues.
Work closely with suppliers to develop exclusive or private-label products, where applicable.
Regularly communicate with suppliers to stay informed about new products, pricing changes, and promotional opportunities.
Monitor stock levels and sales trends to ensure optimal inventory turnover and prevent stockouts or overstock situations.
Collaborate with the store operations team and inventory control to ensure product availability while minimizing waste, especially for perishable goods.
Develop and implement pricing strategies that align with market conditions and profitability goals.
Regularly review cost structures and identify opportunities for cost savings through bulk purchasing, discounts, or alternative suppliers.
Work closely with the marketing team to plan and execute promotional strategies and sales campaigns that drive category growth.
Support the launch of new products, seasonal items, or limited time offers by collaborating with the marketing and store teams.
Continuously monitor market trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences to ensure that the supermarket's product range remains competitive.
Conduct competitor analysis and gather customer feedback to inform purchasing decisions and adjust product offerings accordingly.
Prepare regular reports on category performance, sales trends, and supplier performance for management review.
Help manage and adhere to the purchasing budget, ensuring that costs remain within target while meeting business objectives.
Work closely with other departments such as marketing, store operations, logistics, and finance to ensure smooth product flow and alignment with business goals.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss product assortment, promotions, and sales performance.