JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Category Manager is responsible for developing category plans and strategies that deliver on category sales and margin goals. This candidate will establish pricing, sourcing, and merchandising standards for a wide portfolio of products that meet the objectives of the company. The Category Manager position should have prior buying and/ preferably category management experience. They will focus on developing insights, identifying opportunities, and communicating recommendations on assigned categories to lead future growth. The individual in this role will manage assigned business units (categories) with the objective to meet or exceed corporate financial objectives for top line sales, total profit dollars, market share, TIL, and inventory management.

The Category Manager achieves these objectives through the execution of pricing strategies, product/assortment selection, effective go-to-market strategies, Own Brand product development, assortment optimization, promotional planning, and shelf placement strategies as well as the development and implementation of innovative merchandising strategies.

This role requires 5 days in office for up to 6 months to learn the role and then will be able to shift to 4 days a week in office and 1 day remote. This role is located in St Louis, Missouri.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Creates and implements pricing, product assortment and shelf plans for each assigned category based on detailed analysis of past performance, results, industry  best practices and consumer trends;  Develops go to market recommendations and strategies for assigned categories and cross promotions with other categories; Manages promotional and plans for assigned categories and vendors; Manages vendor contracts to ensure timely receipt of rebates and promotional funding; Works directly with vendors to negotiate programing, costing, and supplier funding

• Creates long term strategic plans regarding category and company growth based on category roles; Develops, creates, and recommends alternative solutions for profitable sales growth; Incorporates customer data to effectively plan assortment and product mix improvements; Creates and communicates clear, impactful selling stories to all levels within the organization using data compiled from various internal and external sources

• Works with sales team/field merchandiser teammates to ensure impactful and timely placement of promotional products in retail locations

• Negotiates and collaborates with suppliers for pricing, product assortment, promotion, print ads, services, loyalty, digital marketing, promotional calendars, and labor-optimized displays

• Reviews category financials weekly/monthly and reacts as necessary to ensure Financial Budget and strategic blue chip goals are achieved to exceed sales and profit expectations

• Manages shrink and inventory loss in stores and the warehouses

• Researches, develops and implements Own Brand items, relevant local products, seasonal merchandise across all markets in which we compete

• Manages shrink and inventory loss in stores and the warehouses

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Other Requirements: 5-8 years of food/beverage industry experience or 5-8 years of experience working directly with retailer category management functions (Industry buyer and category management experiences can coincide or be combined for total experience and background). Responsible for procurement directly or indirectly of at least 50 million dollars.

• Minimum Years of Experience: 5 to 8 years

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge

  • Ability to read, interpret and write financial reports

  • Sound understanding of Microsoft Office, Google, and key merchandising and system tools and resources

  • Sound understanding of internally developed computer solutions (Deals Portal, Item Maintenance, Efficient Promotions, Category Planning Tools, etc.)

  • Stays current with market and consumer trends; Understands competitive landscape and market share data; Expertise in assigned categories and all Food/Grocery in general

  • Ability to manage categories to achieve financial  targets and strategic goals

  • Knowledge of customer centric retailing principles and the analytics of customer purchase behavior; Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in the food/beverage industry

• Skills & Abilities 

  • Strong project management skills

  • Strong written communication skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

  • High attention to detail, accuracy, and accountability; Results oriented

  • Strong organizational skills including prioritizing, scheduling, and time management; Ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines in a fast-paced environment

  • Strong negotiations skills with ability to develop and grow strategic supplier partner relationships

  • Integrity, ability to maintain security of highly confidential and sensitive information

  • Excellent professional communication and interpersonal skills

FORMAL POLICY SETTING

Makes recommendations to management

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Walking

• Less than ½ Day

Standing

• Less than ½ Day

Lifting

• Up to 25 lbs. 

Travel

• 0-25%

Work Environment

• Travel to and between stores and markets as well as to selected domestic and Internation Trade Shows and Vendor/Supplier facilities when necessary. Standing/Walking through stores and manufacturing plants is necessary.

The above statements describe the job’s essential responsibilities and requirements.  They are not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be assigned to job incumbents.

Additional Requirements – Internal Candidates:

• Store/Facility Teammates: minimum of six months employment with Schnucks preferred.
• Store Support Center Teammates: minimum of one year employment with Schnucks preferred.
• Must be in good standing (not on a performance improvement plan or active discipline).
• If invited for an interview, must have manager approval based on performance.

Schnucks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.