JOB OVERVIEW:

The Sr Manager Category is responsible for all areas of functional and strategic category management and related merchandising activities (e.g., Category Manager Teams, vendor negotiations) that pertain to his/her assigned categories. Accountable for the sales, margin and expense control P&L contribution for assigned team.  Additionally, this person is responsible for the supervision, training, goal setting and development of the assigned staff.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures merchandising plans/programs are developed to achieve sales targets including ad quality/accuracy, selling show assortment/deal depth and Semester planning activities.

• Responsible for sales and gross profit results for assigned categories.

• Supervises Category Managers and category support staff to properly coordinate category management activities that will significantly impact the region's performance and sales.

• Attains assigned goals despite program complexity, handle multiple priorities, develop competitive programs and maneuver through large amounts of data smoothly.

• Acts as representative when needed and works closely with the sales team to communicate programs and achieve sales targets

• Provides direction, sets and monitors goals for Category Manager Team

• Responsible for SOX compliance across assigned team and ensuring all legal/tax compliance is adhered to for assigned categories and area of responsibility.

• Oversight to the New Item Speed to Shelf process, new item first to market initiatives and new item trend communication.

• Oversight to Shelf Management process.

• Resolves Vendor/Customer/Retailer Issues

• Acts as a Tactical, Regional Category Strategy and Program Development lead for assigned area.

• Builds and Maintains Strategic Customer Relationships.

• Partners on Strategic Marketing Program and Plan Development.

• Review period data to assess sales, service levels and category profitability, make adjustments as needed.

• Support Brand + initiatives and as well as work with merchandising team on guiding Brands role in category and execution of promotional plans.

• Ensures merchandising plans/programs are developed to achieve sales targets including ad.

• Reviews and manages vendor chargeback approval for assigned categories.

• Responsible for P&L expense metrics- aged inventory, supplier program income and ePass management.

• Works closely with the sales team to drive execution for programs as well as communicating program sales results and gap closure opportunities as needed.

• Conducts Staff Training, Development and Supervision.

• Builds and Maintains Relationships with Top 25 Key Retailers and does appropriate category business planning with key customers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• (Five) years Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g. Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications.

Other Skills/ Abilities:

• Proven supervision experience, including familiarity with Performance Management processes.

• Proven understanding of financial reports, including prior experience with profit and loss (P&L) statement responsibility.

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong presentation skills.

• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to supervise the work of others. Must be able to motivate and work with and through others to achieve desires results.

• Excellent communication skills in person, via electronic communication media and written.

• Computer skills required including spreadsheet and database tools and electronic communication tools. Requires the ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities.  Possess ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.

• Analytical skills to measure sales performance, item performance within category and overall vendor funds management performance.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Some travel may be required.

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.

• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties