The primary goal of the Category Manager – Region Lead is to aggressively manage the merchandising strategy for store supplies, to include Product Assortment, Costs, and Promotional Activity, to provide a complete program for the region’s retail customers. The Category Manager is responsible for managing vendor relationships, and category item assortment to drive sales and margin for UNFI.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ability to train and mentor new Category Managers
Leadership role(s) in a department wide initiative, overseeing planning, communication and successful implementation both within the departments and with supporting teams
Representation of the Department and/or Region in a Corporate wide initiative or effort
Initiate and implement new sales driving opportunities whether in response to changing needs/environment or to create a new source of excitement/demand through creative merchandising
Participate in process of interviewing and hiring new staff
Understand workings of department P&L, ability to research and analyze financial metrics and create solutions.
Leadership in key vendor or broker relations, overseeing planning, communication and successful implementation of sales initiatives and major changes that span multiple departments.
Liaison for key retailers in conjunction with the sales team to strengthen business relationships, work through merchandising opportunities or obstacles and improve customer service and satisfaction
Develop category business plans for store supplies using all available resources, including analysis of internal data, (validated) manufacturer input and expertise, commodity reports, trade/industry news, consumer trends and customer feedback. Measures results and adjusts plans as needed.
Develop and manage communication to retail sales team for all selling programs and category management initiatives. Track participation and sales by DC, sales team and retail customer on all selling programs and store supplies initiatives.
Insure that New Items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate communication to retail.
Maintain relevant assortment necessary to meet retail customer needs, including regional and local brands and unique demographic requirements. Rationalize SKU assortment to maximize sales while controlling cost of carrying inventory, shrink and spoilage.
Responsible for working with Shelf Management to support timely plan-o-gram execution
Accurately Manage sell price including vendor cost, freight, BIV and active sell zones
Actively participate in promotional planning process, including Weekly Ads, Selling shows, Region programs,
Negotiate with brokers and vendors on all aspects of category merchandising plans. Solicits support to drive profitable sales that meet and exceed retail customer demands and marketplace competition.
Perform post promotional analysis to validate plan execution and adjust future plans
Provide sales team with retailer needs on request, providing data points, facilitating and participating in meetings, serving as liaison to brokers/vendors as required.
Collaborate with Corporate store supplies on local broker and vendor opportunities and concerns. Uphold terms and conditions of all Corporate Vendor Agreements
Collaborate with Procurement and Warehouse operations to meet customers service level requirements and maximize sales through proper planning and forecasting. Assists in developing purchasing path to insure lowest possible cost of goods and handling while meeting shrink and spoilage goals. Assists in inventory disposition as required
Performance Measures:
Productive relationships with vendor partners, retail customers and fellow UNFI associates
Accurate management of cost, BIV and Sell zones, including variation/freight components
Accurate management and sales execution of all promotional activity
Wholesale sales for store supplies
Epass/vendor dispute management
Aged inventory reserve
Item Maintenance accuracy (pack changes, Master item group/line code integrity, New item set up)
Decision Authority
The Category Manager has full authority to make the following decisions within the limits of their approved plans and company policy:
Assortment/Shelf Management Decisions
Promotional details and execution requirements
Category business plans and overall merchandising strategy
Performs other relevant job duties as required
Job Requirements:
Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience:
Five (5) years Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g., Spectre Data, Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications)
Retail and/or vendor experience preferred
Skills/ Abilities:
Basic knowledge of internal Buying system preferred
Solid negotiating skills
Possess good communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of people in person, via phone, and via electronic communication
Ability to influence without authority
Computer skills required including spreadsheet and database tools and electronic communication tools
Requires the analytical ability to handle administrative duties and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities. Possess ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions
Analytical skills to measure sales performance, item performance within category and overall vendor funds management performance
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
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.
