Category Manager

The Dufresne Group•Winnipeg, MB

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Category Manager you will be responsible for using sales data, customer research, market data and industry information to build fact-based, customer-driven category merchandising and marketing strategies to better meet the needs of the customer and to optimize financial performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, and/or recognized purchasing designation
5+ years related merchandise/marketing experience with preference given to those with experience in a multichannel/omnichannel or direct/eCommerce retail environment
Previous experience in buying, retail merchandising, planning and/or analysis required
Proficiency with MS Office products is required, with advanced Excel skills
Clear and efficient written and verbal communication
Strong interpersonal skills required
Creativity and agility required to adapt to changing trends
Ability to travel as required
Criminal Record Check required

Responsibilities

Identify retail trends and synthesize information from multiple touch points – providing forecasts and supporting business solutions in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional environment
Bring the “art” to the “science” – using intuition and expertise fueled by data, analytics and a passion for serving our guests
Negotiate and source product, prices, and contracts/agreements on behalf of the store, while ensuring quality standards are understood and met by each vendor
Create and maintain positive vendor relations while adhering to ethical business standards
Drives sales and gross profit through the optimization of the product assortment in assigned department or categories
Maximize the return on inventory investment in partnership with the Supply Chain team, cross-functional partners, and suppliers
Determine and manage the financial performance goals related to sales, pre-shrink, gross margin rate, controllable activity costs, and inventory productivity
Determine and authorize category assortment, pricing and quantification for ongoing store programs
Provide on-going analysis of competitor information / flyers / promotions
Conduct and maintain competitive line-ups; conduct competitive shops and gather competitor information
Work with Store Managers, to ensure category planning and marketing programs are executed and are operating effectively
Provide a strategic perspective on the presentation and merchandising of category assortment
Provide direction to Assistant Category Managers. Collaborate with the retail stores on store initiatives. This includes all aspects of troubleshooting, problem solving, and category management.
Ensure the development of weekly analysis, sales and profitability reports
Attend industry related trade shows