Category Manager

Mitchell Companies•Shannon, MS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Location Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth across assigned beverage categories through strategic category management, supplier collaboration, sales execution, inventory management, and retail merchandising. This role partners with suppliers, sales leadership, and cross-functional teams to develop and execute annual business plans, optimize shelf space, manage promotional programs, support new product introductions, and ensure effective inventory and distribution strategies. The Location Category Manager provides leadership and analytical insights to maximize category performance and achieve company and supplier objectives.

Requirements

High school diploma required
Three to five years of experience in beer, beverage, or consumer packaged goods sales with a supplier or wholesaler preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Understanding of financial concepts including gross profit, inventory management, and days of supply.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with sales reporting, category management, and business planning tools preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Management, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategies and tactics to support profitable growth of assigned categories.
Create, manage, and execute Annual Business Plans in collaboration with suppliers and internal leadership.
Identify market opportunities and recommend initiatives to increase sales, profitability, and market share.
Monitor category performance and adjust strategies based on business results and market trends.
Collaborate with suppliers to align category objectives with company goals.
Develop and execute supplier sales programs, promotions, incentives, and special events.
Manage supplier marketing budgets, including point-of-sale (POS) materials, promotional activities, and incentive programs.
Coordinate supplier priorities and ensure execution of strategic initiatives.
Build annual promotional calendars and marketing plans for assigned brands.
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to maximize return on investment.
Lead, motivate, and support the sales team in achieving category sales objectives.
Train sales representatives on new products, programs, and sales initiatives.
Develop sales materials and program guides to support field execution.
Conduct ride-withs with sales representatives and team leaders to reinforce execution and identify opportunities.
Support customer business reviews through data analysis, category recommendations, and sales presentations.
Develop shelf space plans and merchandising strategies that maximize category performance and comply with supplier standards, including Anheuser-Busch merchandising guidelines.
Identify product placement, distribution, and display opportunities within assigned accounts.
Conduct retail market visits to evaluate execution and recommend improvements.
Develop reset proposals and merchandising recommendations for key accounts.
Update displays and promotional activities according to the sales and marketing calendar.
Manage supplier inventory levels to maintain appropriate days of supply while minimizing out-of-stock and excess inventory situations.
Recommend product assortments, package configurations, SKU additions, and SKU rationalization based on sales performance.
Support new product launches and line extensions through effective planning and execution.
Collaborate with suppliers, operations, and sales teams on pricing, forecasting, and distribution strategies.
Monitor inventory performance and recommend corrective actions to achieve business objectives.