Specialist lll Grocery Category Development

About the position

This position provides critical support to drive Private Brands (PB) sales, margin and penetration in collaboration with the Category, Merchandising and Pricing teams for an assigned category area. Provides key partnership with brand category teams to ensure that Private Brands can drive local sales objectives. In conjunction with the PB Category Development Manager, develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans at the category level, including but not limited to category business plans, in stock management, annual planning, promotional and sales planning, and new item development (with focus on innovation and renovation). This role will also provide support for new product development areas and plug in with brand partners to develop and drive launch plans for new or redesigned products. Responsible to support the development of collaborative partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders which drives alignment and accountability while keeping an eye on cost optimization.

Responsibilities

• Supports category business meetings with suppliers to develop scorecards, performance metrics, long range plans and collaborative opportunities.
• Assists the management and analysis/reporting all category aspects related to Private Brands for US local brands including but not limited to product quality, financial performance, price, promotion and placement.
• Assists with/manages the development of PB category business plans and targets including sales, profit, penetration, impact to stores, and consumer satisfaction.
• Assists with/manages the development of new products, launch plans and marketing of Private Brand products for assigned categories.
• Assists with/manages the development of the assigned Brand's Private Bands annual planning strategy at the category level including and not limited to assisting and coordinating agreed upon sourcing strategy plans through execution at shelf.
• Assists with providing category insights into competition, Best in Class (BIC) programs, industry and consumer trends to identify opportunity areas.
• Supports/manages the development of innovation across assigned categories and responds to the new ideas and latest trends in order to meet or exceed the assigned Brand's shopper expectations.
• Provides key research to identify new product development opportunities to assist and execute strategic approach, planning and data driven business.
• Supports/performs the development and launch of new Private Brand products.
• Supports/performs the end-to-end process for product development.
• Assists with executing/executes assigned Brand's PB category plans.
• Assists with/executes the development of formal PB category reviews, period scorecards, and category plans that bring impact and influence to move business and decisions forward.
• Assists with maintaining/maintains competitive category surveillance.
• Regularly attend GLB specific and bi-weekly cross brand calls to support the CDM.
• Attend market visits to each operating area and complete store walks, competitor visits and in person meetings with category teams.
• Attend and support meetings regularly (monthly and bi-annual) with top PB strategic suppliers to build accountability through score carding performance framework.
• Support and/or facilitate escalated vendor conversations as well as action plans.
• Collaborate with POD team and utilize reporting tools to monitor Private Brands supplier performance and impact to Service Level.
• Role will be responsible for assigned mid-size categories responsible for approx. $250+ million in sales and mid-level sku and supplier complexity.
• Additional job duties may be assigned as needed to meet the needs of the business and support our Values.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or related level of experience in the specific retail category management area.
• 3+ years of experience in Grocery retail Category Management, Supply Chain, Product Development or CPG or related experience.
• Preferred 3+ years of experience managing a Private Brand business in the food/drug/mass sector.
• Strong influencing and partnership abilities.
• Specific category knowledge and expertise in higher complexity areas of the business.
• Exposure to category financial drivers.
• Strong communication & presentation skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to interpret and react to syndicated data reports (e.g. Nielson, EYC, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, and the ability to use reporting tools to drive to insights from data provided.
• Clear understanding of project management principles.
• Experience supporting negotiation discussions.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong analytical skills, including use of data to state a business case and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrates curiosity and an interest in learning and improving upon best practices.
• Strong project management skills, including measurement, reporting and analysis.
• A team player who will enthusiastically roll up their sleeves to get projects done.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, make timely decisions and drive behavioral change within the company.
• Strong proficiency in multi-tasking and handling multiple priorities.
• Successful track record in building and maintaining relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Problem solver with the ability to switch seamlessly between critical thinking and tactical execution within a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel up to 5-10% of time as requested.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Benefits

• Flexible/hybrid work schedule including 3 in-person days and 2 remote days.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives.
• Total wellness programs encompassing physical, financial and emotional wellness.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.