As a category manager, you will oversee and optimize the performance of a category within our company. This includes negotiating with suppliers, leveraging their expertise to secure advantageous terms, and maintaining strong supplier relationships. You will also work closely with cross-functional teams to establish optimal pricing structures and ensure competitiveness.
You will work with talented professionals, shape our product assortment, and contribute to our company's success in the competitive Texas market. If you have a solid knowledge of market analysis and consumer behavior with an innovative mindset, this could be your ideal career.
Objectives of this role
Developing and executing strategic plans for the assigned product category to drive sales and profitability.
Analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and market gaps.
Collaborating with various teams, like marketing, operations, maintenance, and suppliers, to identify and implement new products, services, and marketing initiatives.
Managing product assortment, pricing, promotions, and inventory to optimize category performance.
Evaluating customer feedback and implementing changes to enhance customer experience and drive customer loyalty.
Developing solid relationships with key vendors and suppliers to improve category offerings and negotiate favorable terms.
Your tasks
Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, and customer preferences and provide actionable plans.
Develop and execute comprehensive Foodservices category management strategies to achieve business objectives and drive growth.
Maintain robust Foodservices category management tools and processes, ensuring seamless strategy execution across the organization.
Monitor and evaluate category performance, leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures.
Lead supplier negotiations, ensuring favorable terms and conditions to drive cost savings and strengthen supplier relationships.
Execute pricing strategies and promotional plans to optimize profitability while considering market dynamics and customer value perception.
Stay up to date with industry trends, competitor activities and technological advancements to provide recommendations to senior management.
Required skills and qualifications.
SA bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
5+ years of experience as a category manager in the retail industry.
Strong understanding of the foodservices market, consumer behavior and retail trends.
Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, category management tools and software for data analysis and reporting.
Flexibility to adapt to the changing market dynamics, consumer preferences and organizational priorities.
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
Preferred skills and qualifications
Experience in category management within the retail market.
Familiarity with retail merchandising systems and software.
Knowledge of inventory management and demand forecasting techniques.
Understanding of pricing strategies, margin analysis, and profitability optimization.
Experience in vendor management and negotiations.
Ability to conduct market research and consumer surveys.
Proficiency in data analysis and using analytics tools.