Category Manager

AWG Enterprises•Kansas City, KS

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager is responsible for the profitable sales growth of assigned category(s) for AWG and our Members. They will collaborate with others across the AWG organization and supplier partners to achieve shared objectives. The Category Manager has made all item level decisions within their respective category(s) to include but not limited to proper product mix, costing, promotional plans, shelf placement, efficient and profitable procurement and item derived income to achieve category initiatives. The Category Manager must ensure that the programs are in trend with the industry, focused on delivering the highest quality products and fully supported while receiving the best cost of goods.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years’ Consumer Products Goods or related industry experience.
Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, retail/wholesale/warehouse operations, category business planning, marketing, consumer research, and financial management.
Intermediate knowledge of business applications (eg. Microsoft Office and G Suites).

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement key category initiatives and strategies.
Develop and maintain complete product and category knowledge.
Develop sales growth programs that allow market flexibility.
Develop and manage the AWG Brands assortment including product development to drive category sales and achieve targeted profitability.
Manage vendor funding to maximize sales and profitability.
Conduct regular category reviews to maximize category assortment and set category strategies.
Responsible for managing event schedules and promotions.
Responsible for overseeing input of all file maintenance is timely and accurate.
Responsible for all vendor programs, allowances, performance funds, incentive funds, marketing funds, direct plant ship options, and maintaining efficiency incentives to gain a competitive advantage in our markets.
Communicates and interacts with all cross functional departments (eg. Inventory Management, Center Store, Accounting, AWG Brands, and divisional sales teams.)
Work with Corporate Promotions Planner and Sales Coordinators in each division to implement sales programs, communicating categories and consumer trends.
Visit key markets regularly to stay informed of competitiveness and market trends.
Create joint business plans and conduct quarterly business reviews.