Category Manager - Grocery

OverviewThe Category Manager plays a leadership role in product development and category performance within the Grocery department. This role is responsible for driving product innovation, evaluating market trends, and ensuring alignment with Sprouts' quality standards. The Category Manager conducts in-depth analyses of sales data, consumer trends, pricing, and product quality to assess value and sales velocity. Key responsibilities include researching and launching new products or brands, negotiating vendor agreements, and managing the procurement lifecycle from selection and ordering to payment authorization ensuring that all activities support departmental objectives and contractual compliance.Overview of ResponsibilitiesEmbrace our purpose of helping people live and eat better and bring that to life in your categories. Develop strategies to deliver sales and margin growth and win market share in your categories that support broader Grocery or Frozen department and overall Sprouts strategies. Includes ecommerce and stores. Create assortments and pricing structures to maximize sales, margin and minimize spoilageDevelop and maintain budget, sales, gross margins, and profit goals for departmentDrive the category review process with all CFT’s. Launch innovation faster than our competition. Find the optimal balance of building emerging brands and driving strong sales on existing favorites. Lead JBP vendor partnerships and expand our depth of collaboration with vendors and brokers across the business. Build win-win partnerships that enhance our reputation in the industry. Build and create customers’ favorite items in partnership with the Sprouts Brand Team. Align projects with category and department initiatives and emerging industry trends.Oversee all department marketing plans and ads, including monthly and weekly flyers, and partner with Shopper marketing and loyalty teams on vendor campaigns. Respond to vendor, customer, and store level issues as needed on a timely basisDevelop and communicate easy to use weekly merchandising plans and directives for storesDevelop and maintain strong vendor and broker relationshipsSupport and act as a liaison between Sprouts stores and vendors to assure quality products and department standards are being deliveredSupply clear direction for new & existing stores on proper department layout, schematics, opening orders, programs & trainingCoordinate and source vendor participation for new store openings and resets#LI-CS1QualificationsPreferred bachelor’s degree in business or related field, with 3+ years of retail buying experienceRequires long-term strategic and financial planning skills Excellent negotiation and relationship management abilities.Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities.Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and the Internet Ability to preserve confidentiality of information, communicate with all levels of management and work within strict time frames and resolute deadlines Please note that this position does require travel, a few times a year for trade shows, vendor on site meetings, or other business demands. This is a full-time role that requires 3-5 days a week to be in-person at the Sprouts Support Office in Phoenix, AZ.BenefitsIn addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:Competitive paySick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families healthVacation accrual planOpportunities for career growth15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at SproutsFlexible schedulesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company matchCompany paid life insuranceContests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:Bonus based on company and/or individual performanceAffordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and visionHealth Savings Account with company matchPre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent careCompany paid short-term disability coveragePaid parental leave for both mothers and fathersPaid holidaysGet Paid Every Day!Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you’re hired as an eligible employee, you’ll be able to transfer the money you’ve already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free. We offer DailyPay so you don’t have to wait for payday to access the money you’ve already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you’ve made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday. You can learn more by visiting .Why SproutsGrow with us!If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts’ management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.