Lead the beer and packaged beverage categories including all buying, promotional planning, merchandising functions, and rebate management with the mission of developing and growing the business while meeting and exceeding financial goals. Responsible for analyzing category performance including promotional performance.
Essential Job Functions:
In conjunction with leadership, manage the beer and packaged beverage categories to achieve/exceed financial goals including sales objectives, gross margin/profit, inventory turns, service levels
Continually analyze categories to make strategic and tactical adjustments as necessary
Directly responsible for the overall performance of beer and packaged beverage categories
Directly responsible for the assortment, placement, pricing strategies, promotional planning and execution of the assigned categories
Responsible for monitoring the industry and market area landscapes. Analyzes internal data such as sales, velocity, pricing to refine strategies
Develops and manages key vendor relationships including but not limited to contract negotiations, pricing, new item and promotional opportunities
Responsible for negotiating CMA and other contracts, and monitoring and capturing all rebate monies
Develops and executes all promotional activities related to the assigned categories
Work collaboratively across departments with Operations, Accounting, Price Book, Marketing and any other company departments to support category performance and initiatives
Assists in the development of strategic category budgeting plans
Analyze trends and re-evaluates pricing strategies on a regular basis
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in business, advertising, or related field preferred. Job-related experience and education that meet requirements may be considered/substituted
Experience in merchandising, category management, and/or vendor management preferred
Extensive knowledge of packaged beverage and beer categories is required
Analytical skills
Able to work quickly, decisively and independently
Able to meet deadlines
Strong organizational skills
Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, PDI, Focal Point
2+ years of experience in category management preferred