Category Manager

Job Title
Category Manager

FLSA Status
Exempt

Department
Marketing

Reports to
Director of Marketing

Position Summary
Responsible for creating the vision, setting the strategy and tactics, and managing the daily functions of specific categories within the framework of the overall Marketing strategy. This includes product selection, procurement, merchandising, pricing and promotional activity. Accountable for category margin management and growth. This position will interface with vendors such as CPG manufacturers, product brokers, technology vendors, advertising agencies, graphic designers. Position requires strong negotiating skills to minimize product costs. Position must work seamlessly with all departments and external stakeholders. May be required to development advertising and communication vehicles, public relations and overall image strategies. Additional responsibilities will include coordination and participation related to community events, corporate events and key marketing initiatives. Position will also manage media relations, website development.

General Purpose
To provide our customers with total satisfaction by offering competitively priced, high quality products and services in a clean, safe and friendly environment. To serve our community through volunteerism and produce a return on assets which will assure the future prosperity of our employees and our company. To be an ambassador of our “Living Brand” by building relationships with our customers.

Role Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or business related discipline

Strong writing and communications skills with high degree of creativity

Proficient in Microsoft Office…Excel and Access are required

Position Responsibilities

Builds Relationships

Foster the Culture

Promotes Living Brand

Serves as Product Brand Advocate

Create the vision, strategy and tactics, and daily management to growing profitable sales of assigned categories.

Responsible for profitable procurement and marketing of new items and programs, merchandise displays, and promotions

Must optimize category product assortment and pricing

Responsible for all types of data analysis for assigned categories to better understand the state of the category, formulate strategy and tactics, and measure success / verify category plan

Organize, maintain, and project necessary written analysis of information to derive at purchasing, merchandising, advertising and marketing decisions

Work cross functionally for seamless execution of category plans

Plan and execute store sets / resets and manage category / store specific schematics

Ensure that all vendors are aware of and comply with the Family Express Corporation vendor policy

Maintain and manage vendor relations

Assisting in ensuring information accuracy of price book and information management systems

Communicate effectively and timely through the organization on category development, plan execution, plan verification

Be able to effectively and professionally interact with the community, industry, customers, vendors, and any other external stakeholders

Strong organizational skills, demonstrating ability to follow-through with project initiatives in an efficient and timely manner

Negotiating lowest cost of goods and vendor negotiations related to promotions and program development

Maintain store display and merchandising strategies related to assigned categories

Coordination of advertising and promotional efforts

Development and production of corporate communications tools and vehicles

Coordinate and facilitate Family Express’ participation and relations in community, local, and charitable events

All other duties as assigned

Requirements
Essential Skills and Experience

Situational Awareness

Creative, out of the box thinking

Must be able to function in a fast paced results driven environment

Strong customer orientation

Time management including multitasking, productivity, and a sense of urgency

High performance team building and strong team player

Commitment to company mission and values

Constructively deals with conflict

Adaptability, flexibility and receptive to change

Problem analysis & problem resolution at both strategic & functional level

Effective fact-based decision making based on sound judgment, reasoning and collaboration

Ability to read, write and understand English

Sufficiently proficient with price book, and information management products

Demonstrative background of stability and longevity with previous employment

Nonessential Skills and Experience

Previous retail experience

Physical demands and work environment

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for prolonged periods; work longer than eight (8) hour shifts, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch; talk and hear; taste and smell. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Work Environment: Must have flexibility, all days of the week, when necessary.

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