Job Description

The Category Manager is a self-motivated and driven contributor to Own Brand product team, and an expert on the pricing, visual merchandising, management and sales of categories of products. The Category Manager is responsible for understanding how our competitive landscape goes to market with Own Brands in the categories of responsibility to determine opportunities. This position requires a working knowledge of the products within the division, ability to comprehend consumer needs and buying behaviors, and understand the goals related to their categories. The primary responsibilities of the Category Manager are category deep dives, vendor relation management, product design, category performance reviews, in-store merchandising, and planning/ forecasting and inventory management.

Core Functions

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Owns the responsibilities of product development for multiple categories within Own Brands
• Ability to walk competitive retailers and understand how they go to market with their own brand
• High degree of analytical skills to manipulate and interpret Nielsen/ Catalina reports
• Facilitates and drives the category deep dive process, including managing follow up actions and recommendations
• Manages the full life cycle of a private label product from inception/ soucring to shelf to sun setting underperforming items
• Successfully navigates the organization and collaborates with other departments within the organization to achieve goals
• Provides co-op members with customer focused insights and guidance regarding the product and category
• Able to give direction and guidance to fellow team members as needed
• Leads category management projects to optimize ranges and related merchandising
• Manages a large portfolio of products and develops appropriate strategies for each
• Develops strong working relationships with division procurement team, marketing and merchandising teams
• Actively works to drive sales and maximize profits for Wakefern Members thru continuous market retail surveys and cost negotiations

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Four year College degree required
• Must have at least 2 years of previous purchasing experience in a retail organization and an understanding of surrounding laws and regulations
• Previous experience in private label products is preferred
• Able to analyze consumer data and identify trends
• Aptitude for detail and figure oriented work and the ability to learn computer systems easily
• Experienced in giving presentations with the ability to adapt to differing perspectives
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills
• Clear ability to analyze data to make category decisions and recommendations
• Possesses a thorough understanding of retail insights
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Previous experience and knowledge of a retail environment
• Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate category strategies and the impact on total store
• Proven experience of highly effective supplier management and development
• Experience of managing business improvements projects within a Supply Chain & Purchasing environment

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