Job Description

Job Description

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:

· Professional with a high degree of integrity, honesty, and ethical practices

· Ability to evaluate vendor performance and drive improvement

· Strong interpersonal skills with a keen ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively and efficiently

· Demonstrates expertise in reacting to market trends for compelling consumer products

· Strong knowledge and experience involving product merchandising and planogramming

· Proven record of successful leadership

· Ability to develop innovative and strategic initiatives and the ability to think creatively and innovatively.

· Provides coaching, feedback, and developmental opportunities to build and maintain an effective team

· Strong problem-solving, analytical and organizational skills

· Collaborates with the Marketing team on promotions and in-store signage

· Passionate customer advocacy. Exceptional customer service aptitude and delivery

· Strong knowledge of brand, products and service management

· Focused on delivering measurable results: Revenue, Margin, Inventory, ROI

Required Skills and Qualifications:

· Education and/or experience in Retail, Communication, Business and other related fields

· Experience with the use and application of the most current technologies and products used in the industry

· Ability to interpret and leverage data

· Previous experience in a multi-unit retail operation helpful

· Proficient computer skills: Microsoft Office programs, email and other company internal and external software programs

Travel:

· Travel is frequent throughout BellStores Regions. Some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected. 

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