Grocery Category Manager

WEAVERS WAY COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Welcome to Weavers Way Co-op! Weavers Way Co-op is a not-for-profit organization that’s doing things differently to support our local community. As a member-owned co-op, we don’t exist just to make money. Weavers Way Co-op operates on a triple bottom line philosophy known as People-Planet-Profit - which means every action we take, we strive to benefit people (our community, employees, and local vendors), planet (we strive to be one of the most sustainable places around!), and profit (so we can support our team members and operate as a business). By joining us, you’re helping us fulfill our mission of keeping dollars in our local community, supporting over 300 local food vendors, and being a part of strengthening and enriching the people and planet around us. Join us as our Grocery Category Manager! We are seeking an mission-driven individual to join our team as our Grocery Category Manager. The Grocery Category Manager leads the purchasing, stocking and merchandising strategy across all packaged, refrigerated, frozen, and bulk grocery categories; develops new and maintains existing brand and supplier relationships; oversees product assortment planning; and assists with warehouse purchasing programs for grocery categories. Weavers Way Co-op offers a competitive benefits package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; Co-op paid group short-term disability, group long-term disability, and group life insurance; paid vacation and paid sick time off; access to our retirement plan with matching contributions; employee discounts; and more!

Requirements

A commitment to the mission and goals of Weavers Way Co-op.
5+ years of experience in grocery category management, buying, or merchandising; background in cooperative, natural/specialty products, or mission-driven retail establishments preferred.
Fluency in Microsoft and Google Suite.
Demonstrated success managing packaged grocery categories, including bakery and bulk, across multiple retail locations.
Strong understanding of grocery supply chain, warehouse distribution, and brand/supplier partnerships; knowledge of Philadelphia-area local and regional food suppliers preferred.
Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers and distributors.
Experience analyzing sales data, margins, and category performance metrics.
Excellent brand and supplier relationship management and strategic partnership skills; established relationships with UNFI, KeHE and/or other natural product vendors preferred.
Strong business acumen with understanding of retail profitability and financial planning.
Proficiency with retail management systems and data analysis tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for vendor negotiations and internal collaboration.
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple brand relationships and purchasing programs simultaneously.
A valid drivers license with regular and reliable access to a car is required.
Ability to reliably travel between all locations including the warehouse.
Be, or become upon hiring, a member in good standing of Weavers Way Co-op.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic merchandising plans for packaged, refrigerated, frozen, and bulk grocery categories across all four Weavers Way Co-op locations.
Lead product selection decisions, balancing member needs, return on investment, market trends, and cooperative values.
Conduct category reviews and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for growth, differentiation, and space utilization.
Coordinate with Merchandising Coordinator and store-specific buyers on category review and reset coordination.
Monitor product performance through sales data, inventory turns, and margin contribution analysis.
Evaluate and select new products, working with Retail team to ensure all items are launched successfully.
Develop strategic promotional calendars aligned with seasonal opportunities and vendor programs.
Oversee internal promotions including monthly Co-op Finds flyer and holiday offerings.
Work with Merchandising Coordinator and Communications team on promotional execution and member communications.
Coordinate with other Category Managers to ensure all marketing deadlines are met.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key grocery brands, suppliers, brokers, distributors, and manufacturers.
Negotiate pricing agreements and promotional terms to optimize value.
Oversee warehouse purchasing for grocery categories including case stack deals, pallet programs, and special buys.
Plan and execute holiday promotional preorders and seasonal buying programs.
Oversee the growth and maintenance of the Weavers Way Co-op Provisions preorder program.
Coordinate cost changes with Merchandising Coordinator for pricing implementation.
Work with Merchandising Coordinator to ensure retail database accuracy.
Serve as NCG Promotion Liaison, coordinating cooperative promotional programs.
Serve as primary point of contact for brokers and maintain strong professional relationships.
Support incubator vendors in navigating the process to become a Weavers Way Co-op vendor.
Establish category margin goals, departmental sales targets, and pricing strategy in collaboration with Retail Director.
Analyze category profitability and implement initiatives to meet financial targets.
Provide strategic input on margin rules and pricing architecture.
Review contribution to margin reports and identify opportunities for improvement.
Evaluate promotional ROI and adjust strategies based on financial performance.
Report to Retail Director on category performance and strategic initiatives.
Partner closely with Merchandising Coordinator on pricing, product data, and operational execution.
Collaborate with other Category Managers on cross-category initiatives.
Work with store operations teams to ensure consistent merchandising standards.
Lead Weekly Grocery Department virtual meetings and provide category expertise.
Support training and development of store specific buyers on category knowledge and product standards.
Train and oversee replenishment buyers on optimal ordering practices.