Category Manager

Associated Grocers of New England•Pembroke, NH

8d•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES: Negotiate Gross Margin buying opportunities with vendors (buys, slotting, logistical). Minimize Cost of Goods Sold to achieve margin targets (i.e. price increase last buys, bracket buys, alternative sourcing). Negotiate and execute promotional merchandising programs with vendors (Ads, Budget Stretcher Program, Food Show, etc.) in-line with category management principles and brand/product roles. Managed assigned Categories product selection, pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales in assigned categories. Coordinate efforts with accounting to manage proper execution and reconciliation of vendor programs (i.e. volume, logistical, Off Invoice) in order to ensure accuracy and maximization of vendor funding. Work with and occasionally direct the activities of Buyers on the setup and maintenance of item and vendor data (pricing, item accuracy, item changes, item assortment, lost margin resolution). Understand and evaluate trends within assigned categories to anticipate future trends, competitive intelligence, and supplier insights related to product promotions, assortment, and overall operations. Assisting Buyers as needed with vendor resolution of excess inventory or discontinued items. Serve as liaison between vendors, brokers and all AGNE departments to resolve escalated customer issues. Partner with suppliers to leverage merchandising vehicles, programs and strategies to drive sales, coordinating with counselor team, advertising, marketing, and retailers. Track results and adjust as needed. Maintains records in accordance with established policies and procedures, audit guidelines are a crucial part of the job, as well as maintaining data information, files, reports, price lists on assigned categories and vendors. ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's Degree or two years' related industry experience (wholesale or retail). Basic computer skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Professional verbal and written communication skills are a must. Negotiation, organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills would also play an important factor in this role. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. No or very limited physical effort required. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or two years' related industry experience (wholesale or retail).
Basic computer skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Professional verbal and written communication skills are a must.
Negotiation, organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills would also play an important factor in this role.

Responsibilities

Negotiate Gross Margin buying opportunities with vendors (buys, slotting, logistical).
Minimize Cost of Goods Sold to achieve margin targets (i.e. price increase last buys, bracket buys, alternative sourcing).
Negotiate and execute promotional merchandising programs with vendors (Ads, Budget Stretcher Program, Food Show, etc.) in-line with category management principles and brand/product roles.
Managed assigned Categories product selection, pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales in assigned categories.
Coordinate efforts with accounting to manage proper execution and reconciliation of vendor programs (i.e. volume, logistical, Off Invoice) in order to ensure accuracy and maximization of vendor funding.
Work with and occasionally direct the activities of Buyers on the setup and maintenance of item and vendor data (pricing, item accuracy, item changes, item assortment, lost margin resolution).
Understand and evaluate trends within assigned categories to anticipate future trends, competitive intelligence, and supplier insights related to product promotions, assortment, and overall operations.
Assisting Buyers as needed with vendor resolution of excess inventory or discontinued items.
Serve as liaison between vendors, brokers and all AGNE departments to resolve escalated customer issues.
Partner with suppliers to leverage merchandising vehicles, programs and strategies to drive sales, coordinating with counselor team, advertising, marketing, and retailers.
Track results and adjust as needed.
Maintains records in accordance with established policies and procedures, audit guidelines are a crucial part of the job, as well as maintaining data information, files, reports, price lists on assigned categories and vendors.