Manager I Category - Fresh

About the role

As an Assistant Category Manager, you will play a key role in supporting Stop & Shop's daily selling activities with a strong consumer-focused approach, managing Category, Merchandising, and Pricing responsibilities. You will be accountable for managing vendor relationships and negotiations with minimal supervision from the Category Manager (CM). You'll also provide leadership support to the Category team and work closely with the CM to determine appropriate duties and responsibilities. You will oversee processes related to shelf presentation, assortment decisions, cost negotiations, promotional planning, and product/program development for assigned categories. Collaboration with teams across Shelf Merchandising, Banner Merchandising, Pricing, and Replenishment is essential to deliver a unified and effective Category plan aligned with each Banner's strategy and Integrated Business Plan. Additionally, you'll work with Retail Operations, Marketing, Merchandising Governance & Planning (MGP), our Brands, and Master Data Management to ensure organizational alignment and optimal portfolio performance.

Responsibilities

• Leverage prior merchandising or category merchandising experience to support the implementation of strategies and initiatives across Category, Merchandising, and Pricing with the Category Manager.
• Lead and mentor a team of analysts and administrators, providing direction and leadership on day-to-day activities.
• Assist in crafting a comprehensive Category strategy that meets consumer needs and drives Category goals while supporting the Banner Integrated Business Plan.
• Collaborate across departments to meet key performance metrics, including Sales, Movement, Market Share, Net Contribution, Profit, and Shrink. These metrics may evolve depending on business priorities.
• Conduct thorough analysis of categories to support the achievement of Banner strategies.
• Lead negotiations with vendors and collaborate with the team to secure advantageous programs that drive cost reductions while maintaining an optimal item mix.
• Work with the Category Manager to negotiate the lowest costs across all elements, such as logistics, distribution, shrink, and reclaim, including swell allowances.
• Manage vendor allowances in partnership with the Category Manager to ensure targets are met.
• Maximize the potential of Our Brand items to build consumer loyalty and enhance profitability for both the Category and Delhaize America (DA).
• Collaborate with Fresh Foods Buyers to meet service and inventory level objectives.
• Support the forecasting of ad items and seasonal projections.
• Develop projections for Sales, Margin, Shrink, and Labor for each new program.
• Maintain and update the order guide.
• Provide guidance and motivation to peers while being an effective advocate for change and growth within the team.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture within the team and department.
• Serve on key teams and committees as needed.
• Oversee the development and growth of analysts, Buyers, and Pricing Analyst team members.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of combined experience in retail, merchandising, category management, pricing, logistics, supply chain, procurement, and distribution.
• Knowledge of relevant practice areas, including Fresh or Center Store categories.
• Strong understanding of company, business, and industry practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Travel required (typically 8-12%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing vendor relationships, including brokers and third-party consultants.
• Proven negotiation experience.

Benefits

The salary range for position is $106,480- $159,720 and will be commensurate with background, experience as well as internal equity.

Pay

The salary range for position is $106,480- $159,720 and will be commensurate with background, experience as well as internal equity.

Schedule

Flexible, hybrid work environment with three days a week at our Quincy Corporate office and the remaining days working remotely.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stop & Shop is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.