Category Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Category Manager

Reports to: Corporate Sales Director

Job Summary

The Location Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth across assigned beverage categories through strategic category management, supplier collaboration, sales execution, inventory management, and retail merchandising. This role partners with suppliers, sales leadership, and cross-functional teams to develop and execute annual business plans, optimize shelf space, manage promotional programs, support new product introductions, and ensure effective inventory and distribution strategies. The Location Category Manager provides leadership and analytical insights to maximize category performance and achieve company and supplier objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Category Strategy and Business Planning

• Develop and execute strategies and tactics to support profitable growth of assigned categories.
• Create, manage, and execute Annual Business Plans in collaboration with suppliers and internal leadership.
• Identify market opportunities and recommend initiatives to increase sales, profitability, and market share.
• Monitor category performance and adjust strategies based on business results and market trends.
• Collaborate with suppliers to align category objectives with company goals.

1. Sales Program and Supplier Management

• Develop and execute supplier sales programs, promotions, incentives, and special events.
• Manage supplier marketing budgets, including point-of-sale (POS) materials, promotional activities, and incentive programs.
• Coordinate supplier priorities and ensure execution of strategic initiatives.
• Build annual promotional calendars and marketing plans for assigned brands.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to maximize return on investment.

1. Sales Leadership and Business Support

• Lead, motivate, and support the sales team in achieving category sales objectives.
• Train sales representatives on new products, programs, and sales initiatives.
• Develop sales materials and program guides to support field execution.
• Conduct ride-withs with sales representatives and team leaders to reinforce execution and identify opportunities.
• Support customer business reviews through data analysis, category recommendations, and sales presentations.

1. Retail Execution and Category Management

• Develop shelf space plans and merchandising strategies that maximize category performance and comply with supplier standards, including Anheuser-Busch merchandising guidelines.
• Identify product placement, distribution, and display opportunities within assigned accounts.
• Conduct retail market visits to evaluate execution and recommend improvements.
• Develop reset proposals and merchandising recommendations for key accounts.
• Update displays and promotional activities according to the sales and marketing calendar.

1. Inventory and Distribution Management

• Manage supplier inventory levels to maintain appropriate days of supply while minimizing out-of-stock and excess inventory situations.
• Recommend product assortments, package configurations, SKU additions, and SKU rationalization based on sales performance.
• Support new product launches and line extensions through effective planning and execution.
• Collaborate with suppliers, operations, and sales teams on pricing, forecasting, and distribution strategies.
• Monitor inventory performance and recommend corrective actions to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Management, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in beer, beverage, or consumer packaged goods sales with a supplier or wholesaler preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of financial concepts including gross profit, inventory management, and days of supply.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with sales reporting, category management, and business planning tools preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, and conduct retail market visits for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel regularly within assigned markets.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for supplier meetings, training, or business events.

Work Environment

• Combination of office-based work and field sales environment.
• Frequent travel within assigned territory to customer accounts and supplier meetings.
• Standard Monday-Friday work schedule with occasional evening or weekend work based on business needs and special events.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign other related duties and responsibilities as needed to meet organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mitchell Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Employment offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screening. Failure to meet the company's established criteria may result in withdrawal of the employment offer.