Category Manager

Job Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for procuring, developing, and coordinating programs within assigned category areas to achieve corporate goals by maximizing sales, inventory, and gross margin dollars. This includes evaluating, selecting, and procuring products and services, negotiating and communicating optimal vendor programs, managing inventory, analyzing sales performance, and executing promotional programs.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates, selects, and procures products and services of acceptable quality and quantity.
• Negotiates and communicates optimal vendor programs and agreements.
• Utilizes inventory management systems to ensure accurate ordering and replenishment across all locations.
• Reviews and analyzes sales performance, gross profit contributions, inventory levels, and product movement within categories.
• Participates in floor plan design and merchandise placement for new and existing locations.
• Maintains awareness of new products and programs through competitive store visits, vendor contacts, and industry publications.
• Develops and coordinates promotional programs, advertising initiatives, and point-of-sale materials with vendors, ensuring communication and execution at the store level.
• Analyzes promotional effectiveness and adjusts strategies accordingly.
• Develops and implements plan-o-grams (POGs) based on comprehensive category analysis.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to ensure effective execution of marketing programs.
• Executes sales, margin, and inventory plans to achieve corporate objectives.
• Supports supply chain functions as required.
• Conducts monthly store visits to review planogram compliance and assortment integrity with District Managers and General Managers.
• Works at store level to implement store sets and gather important feedback.
• Provides guidance to Category Specialists regarding pricing, costing, and vendor programs.
• Provides friendly and competent customer service.
• Reports for work in a timely manner when scheduled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Marketing, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant purchasing experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of purchasing and/or category management experience.
• Strong organizational skills with effective follow-up and execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities at both a strategic and operational levels.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and marketing.
• Ability to identify and evaluate industry trends.
• Professional presentation skills for vendors, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable to drive.

Additional Job Duties

• Affords and willing to deliver friendly, courteous, and prompt customer service.
• Able and willing to work cooperatively with other team members.
• Must be able to communicate in English.

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Company Benefits

• Paid vacation
• 401K and matching contributions
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Short and long term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• On-demand pay with PayActiv (access to earned but not yet paid wages)
• Clearly defined path for growth
• Many more benefits!