Purpose: 

The Category Manager (CM) is responsible for supporting the Category Director in developing and carrying out the Category Business Plan (CBP). Responsible for coordinating team activities that support multiple categories in a customer-facing business model. Through execution of the category strategy, the Category Manager works to meet and exceed sales and margin expectations. As directed by the Category Director, the CM coordinates ad/promo priorities, refines assortment and presentation, and works with retail customers on pricing guidelines and tactics. Directs the day-to-day activities of the Category Merch Specialist.

Job Responsibilities:

Category Business Planning

·       Supports execution of category strategies and initiatives; delivers against period,

·       quarterly and annual forecast; provides input to the development of a strategic Category Business Plan (CBP).

·       Coordinates working plan for team derived from annual & quarterly category merchandising strategy based on evaluation of past performance, consumer and

·       competitive/company trends with a focus on customer insights.

·       Assist with communicating quarterly sales targets by category

·       Partners with the Strategic Research and Analytics team, actively reviews scorecards to bring consumer insights and trends into actionable plans that drive weekly, quarterly and yearly sales and gross profit dollars.

Financial Tools Analysis

·       Provide support and analysis info on Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement Review and budgeting for category(s)

Pricing

·       Disseminates information in accordance with pricing guidelines/tactics; reviews/recommends prices for national vendor items; maintains sensitive items list.

·       Awareness of pricing by classes of trade and key competitors in each market.

Promo:

·       Compiles market, supplier, and consumer information in support of identifying promo opportunities.

·       Is aware of promotions by classes of trade and key competitors in each market.

Resets/Shelf Management & Assortment

·       Participates in review of full assortment; reviews and gives input into national and local vendor recommendations; supports the discontinued/markdown planning process for national items.

·       Provides input to departmental leadership on ad space allocations by

·       department/banner (i.e. ad space plan).

·       Works in collaboration with regional and banner merchants to collect category performance feedback.

·       Participates in vendor/sourcing conversations; understands the vendor funds strategy and assists with the use of the strategy.

Sourcing

·       Participate in sourcing reviews; may monitor inventory levels and will participate in forecasting.

·       Negotiates terms of swell allowance.

Negotiation/Contracts

·       Utilizes and further develops skills in such areas as negotiation, Vendor Relations and Strategic Management.

·       Assists/and may lead some negotiations for category.

·       Will assist in developing contracts with input from legal.

·       Reconcile contract to performance.

People & Project Leadership

·       Independently problem solves issues.

·       Provides direction to Category Merch Specialists in initiatives and day-to-day tasks; coaches and develops individuals identified as highly performing in the Category Merch Specialist role.

·       Performs other relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree preferred

·       ACS CCP and/or CCSE Certification preferred

Experience:

·       Five (5) years Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management processes (Familiarity with syndicated Data Sources, leading category reviews)

·       Previous experience in store operations or merchandising preferred

·       Previous experience in a Specialty sales or product role preferred

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Analytical Skills: Must have a strong knowledge base in supermarket retail and an

·       understanding of consumer behavior in relation to product performance; must carry a detailed understanding of cause-effect relations between operational levers and performance (assortment/price vs. volume/margins) by utilizing financial, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and/or consumer research background. Strong planning and organizational skills.

·       Management Skills: Experience in successfully leading, motivating and monitoring performance: strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to partner with internal and external teams.

·       Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside of the company.

·       Technical skills: Well developed computer aptitude with proficient skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office and advanced Excel skills. Must be able to adapt to and learn new systems quickly.

·       Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to work successfully across all areas of the company; can successfully monitor performance; strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors: ability to influence and lead effective partnerships; can thrive in a complicated matrix environment.

·       Innovation: Champions new ideas and initiatives and creates an environment that supports innovation; leverages fresh perspectives, breakthrough ideas, and new paradigms to create value in the market.

·       Strategic Skills: Demonstrate ability to understand and think big picture; develop and deliver category plans and programs that compliment both the corporate and departmental strategies leading to strong category sales and profit performance.

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

·       Specialty Category Expertise – Advanced knowledge of and mastery in the specialty category including imported and domestic artisan cheese, charcuterie, olives, crackers and accompaniments. Understanding and experience in importing preferred.

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

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

·       The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.