Assistant Category Manager - Meat

Purpose This is a developmental role with the goal of eventually transitioning the individual into a Category Manager position. Individuals should demonstrate both the desire and focused effort to learn about: category items, negotiating skills, analysis of past category performance, pricing, promotion, assortment, planograms, maximizing gross dollars, consumer trends, increasing market share versus prior year, industry practices, and meeting projected results. It is imperative that the individual is open to learning, coaching and regularly partnering with others. Responsibilities Learn about each component required in successful category management, as outlined aboveExecute necessary steps for category success with guidance from leadersOwn vendor relationships as the primary contact. Build strong partnerships by meeting on a consistent basis, negotiating future plans, and maintaining the appropriate category assortmentManage P&L, monitoring performance and analyzing the results, with guidance from leadersWork closely with partner functions (Sourcing, Supply Chain, etc.). Communicate ongoing category and promotional plans to ensure desired service levels and the optimum inventory positionPartner with promotional team on creation and implementation of a promotional calendar by category. Track results at the end of each promotion in terms of sales, P&L share growth, or contributionCollaborate with Space Planning team for POGs keeping direction of foot traffic in mindInitiate product development, as needed, by understanding quality of both national and private brandContribute to the assortment planning process by making appropriate recommendations for new items entering the market and discontinuing lines based on potential contribution to the category strategies and department. Partner with leaders regarding final decisionsWork with the Quality Assurance team to determine product quality specs, composition, and sensory requirementsHold suppliers accountable to negotiated product quality specificationsCollaborate with financial analysts to evaluate the category through measurement of total contribution to the entire department, previous results, and market trends to contribute to a yearly category business plan in partnership with leadersAccountable for gross profit projections at the category level, rolling up to department projections quarterly, monthly, and yearly. These should be developed in partnership with leadersVisit competition as well as markets, stores, and distribution centers as necessary to observe results of product lines and share knowledge of competitive products, performance, and business trendsIdentify issues proactively, define customer-focused solutions, and drive sustainable resultsMaintain formal and informal channels of communication in multiple directions; encourage the expression of new ideas, suggestions, and complaints; review them for appropriateness and further actionPerform other duties as assigned About You Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field and/or 1-3 years of relevant retail experience2-3 years relevant business experience where a solid understanding of marketing, merchandising, consumer research and financial management practices have been gainedSolid financial, mathematical, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and consumer research background to read, interpret, and understand how internal and external factors influence financial resultsFamiliarity with Category Business Planning and/or ability to learnNegotiation and/or influencing skills, or the ability to learnIndividual initiativeInterpersonal skills to build rapport, network, and maintain effective business relationships within and outside the companyProficient in MS Excel and MS PowerPoint Physical Requirements Ability to travel up to ~10% of the time, which may include weekends and evenings, as neededMost work is performed in a temperature-controlled environmentIncumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminalIncumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of a normal workdayStooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties Our Values Ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our workplace values. Simplicity (operate) – the drive to identify root cause and innovate to remove complexity to deliver the best outcome Heart (emotion) – the passion that drives you to get up every day and work hard to strive for excellence Performance Excellence (mindset) – clearly defining high expectations, driving ownership of key roles and responsibilities, executing with integrity and emphasis while creating a culture of accountability Respect (philosophy) – taking pride in being inclusive and treating everyone who comes through the doors with respect Benefits 401K company match up to 4% Paid Time Off Medical Insurance options including FSA & HSAVision Insurance Dental insurance Employee Assistance ProgramsTeam Member Referral Program Tuition ReimbursementWellbeing Program Career development opportunities The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and /or location.