ADV & MKTG - Category Manager

SUMMARY  

The Category Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of assigned product categories to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This role plays a key part in driving the growth and development of these categories by focusing on financial performance, follow-up actions, and safety to ensure seamless execution across the organization. Key responsibilities include providing analytical data, such as labor costs, sales figures, and other relevant metrics, to the operations team, supervisors, and management as needed. The Category Manager will also lead the development and execution of category-specific marketing promotions aimed at enhancing customer awareness, satisfaction, and driving targeted purchasing behaviors. Effective communication and collaboration with various departments—including Operations, Accounting, and Pricebook—are essential for success in this role. 

RESPONSIBILITIES BY COMPETENCY : (*denotes an essential function of the position)

Business Results Orientation   

*Analyze assigned categories and devise an action plan to ensure best merchandising and financial results

Ensure effective sampling programs are set up and are used to drive sales

*Oversee inventory levels and labor expenditures and ensure TM is informed of exceptions

*Develop monthly store promotions to facilitate increased store traffic resulting in additional sales

Design marketing initiatives to promote customer satisfaction

*Maintain regular attendance and follow designated safety practices

Perform other duties not listed as required

Communication   

*Document agreements with vendors and inspect performance to ensure that both company stores and franchisees receive everything upon which has been agreed

*Provide monthly communication of financial results to the managers, operation team and supervisor

*Communicate expectations of highest standards for cleanliness, safety, and sanitation

*Ensure effective communication systems are established so front line associates know how to execute assigned category programs including but not limited to shelf lives, rotation schedules, product ordering, build to quantities and display expectations

*Ensure promotions are properly implemented

*Communicate retails and authorized item changes to retail accounting accurately and timely to ensure retails and authorized items are correct

Utilize a variety of communication methods as situations require

Customer Service Orientation   

*Obtain a full understanding of the marketing areas to determine the best product mix and how to deliver what the customer wants

*Ensure locations are priced according to the company’s pricing strategies

*Complete site and/or customer visits as required

Ensure that advertising, promotions and public relations are aligned with company culture, mission and vision

*Handle customer and vendor contacts in a professional and efficient manner

Developing Talent

*Establish methods or communicate established procedures to ensure all associates are properly trained in proper execution of program initiatives

*Consistently evaluate and create new goals and incentives for the operations group and challenge locations to raise their own acceptable standards of performance

*Assist with store openings, grand openings and remodels to ensure execution of assigned categories are met

Attend training to further professional development and understanding of company goals and strategy

*Complete safety training as required

*Complete training as required to meet regulatory compliance and company guidelines

Technical Expertise

*Provide compliance information to employees regarding established product handling policies, procedures and standards

*Continuously benchmark company results against top quartile in industry

*Ensure proper tracking systems are set up for sales, waste and profitability

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry systems, new product development, and trends to predict vendor and external customer behaviors

*Ensure assigned category equipment is properly ordered and maintained

*Adhere to all Wallis Companies safety policies and report all safety incidents to supervisor immediately

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no direct reports. 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

(*denotes an essential qualification of the position )

Education: *Required: Equivalent to high school diploma

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or related business field

Experience: * At least 3 years of experience in the convenience store/retail industry

Language Skills: *Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English in a manner that is

sufficient for effective communication with groups of managers, clients,

customers and the general public.

Skills and Abilities : (May be representative but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with the position)

*Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

*Willingness to work long and unusual hours in a team effort

*Strong organization and time management skills

Knowledge of government laws related to age restrictive products

Knowledge of health agency requirements

Excellent negotiation skills to obtain best vendor pricing and reduce costs

*Ability to positively challenge and motivate others

Capacity to adapt or modify processes, techniques and procedures to objectives and requirements

*Accommodation of occasional overnight travel

Technology, Tools,    And Equipment: *Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

*Willingness to work long and unusual hours in a team effort

*Strong organization and time management skills

Knowledge of government laws related to age restrictive products

Knowledge of health agency requirements

Excellent negotiation skills to obtain best vendor pricing and reduce costs

*Ability to positively challenge and motivate others

Capacity to adapt or modify processes, techniques and procedures to objectives and requirements

*Accommodation of occasional overnight travel

Certificates, Licenses and/or Registrations: * Valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Disclaimer:  

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Wallis Companies reserves the right to make changes to job descriptions as needed with or without notice to affected employees. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. This job description does not establish a contract for employment. 

INDCM