Category Manager

Position Summary :

The overall responsibility of the Category Manager is to optimize sales for a particular group of products as well as be able to maintain a productive relationship with our vendors. The ideal candidate can create an engaging relationship with our customers that is interactive and satisfying. The primary responsibilities are Vendor Management, Price Book Administration, Pricing, and Store Merchandising. Our mission is to be the preferred retailer for our vendor partners. This position reports to the Vice President of Store Operations.

Essential Functions

• Category Responsibilities – Store Merchandising, Soft Drinks, Grocery, General Merchandise, Coffee, Fountain, ICEE / Freeze, Dairy, DSD Chips, DSD Baked Goods, Ice, Propane, Firewood, Ohio Lottery, Newspapers, Bait, Incomm
• Lead and provide oversight and direction to the Price Book team and Merchandising Manager
• Develop category business plan as required of each assigned category
• Develop strategies and tactics for each assigned category based on current performance, company philosophies, and industry trends
• Annualize, review, evaluate, and assess category retail sales, gross profit and gross margin
• Category performance tracking and reporting
• Negotiate in the best interest of BellStores for item assortment, product pricing, merchandising and promotions with our suppliers and vendors
• Select product assortment and analyze regularly
• Develop product promotions to enhance revenue and gross profit
• Price product according to guidelines and competitive environment
• Develop, implement, and maintain appropriate planograms for each assigned store by category
• Ensure proper setup of supplier and products through accounting and price book administration
• Develop and implement merchandising initiatives based on our reporting and supplier information
• Responsible for communication of programs, promotions, and initiatives to all Store Managers, District Supervisors, and Regional Managers
• Participate in the Company's monthly inspection process
• Steward our culture of growth, while remaining focused on our values of teamwork, integrity, kindness, family-focused and employee-centered

Competencies :

Required Skills and Qualifications :

Travel :