Category Manager Job Description

Category Manager develops the overall strategy for a product category and researches new product options in the category to drive sales and achieve targets. Leads a team that provides category insights and proposals by analyzing marketing and customer data and monitoring relevant market conditions. Being a Category Manager works closely with sales team to determine optimal pricing through analysis of sales trends, competitors, buying habits and planograms of products to promote sales opportunities. Provides effective promotional materials. Additionally, Category Manager may develop special arrangements with vendors to enhance product promotions. Requires a bachelor’s degree of marketing. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Category Manager typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. To be a Category Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.

Category Manager Job Description Template

Our company is looking for a Category Manager to join our team.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, create, and recommend alternative solutions for profit and sales growth;
  • Work directly with vendors to negotiate programing, resolve supply chain, problematic inventory, and invoice issues;
  • Monitor Fareway and industry trends on a regular basis, including new products, technology and pricing comparing Fareway to industry players;
  • Other duties as assigned;
  • Participate in the planning of store layouts and product location for sales volume and stocking efficiency;
  • Work with teammates to ensure proper and timely placement of promotional products in retail locations;
  • Analyze shopper data to effectively plan for product mix improvements;
  • Assist in developing go to market recommendations and strategies regarding assigned categories and cross promotions with other categories;
  • Create and communicate clear, impactful selling stories to all levels within the organization using data compiled from various sources;
  • Report on sales and growth opportunities;
  • Collaborate on long term strategic plans regarding category and company growth;
  • Manage large/complex supply chain projects related to categories with large spend;
  • Strategically lead and motivate the overall Category Management group;
  • Accountable for identification, monitoring and reporting on compliance with strategic sourcing from regional organizations;
  • Ensure the development of the category management group’s skill sets required for effective execution of the departments responsibilities.

Requirements:

  • Strong professional communication and interpersonal skills;
  • 2 years of experience working directly with category management functions;
  • Previous experience within the grocery industry or grocery supply chain;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in the food/beverage industry;
  • Experience could include: facilities, indirect, maintenance, packaging, etc;
  • Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business, engineering or Supply Chain Management or equivalent;
  • Manages diverse relationships, motivates others and has excellent interpersonal and leadership skills;
  • Expert knowledge of specific categories, supply base & industry trends as well as commercial expertise for a broad range of category groups;
  • Good Category knowledge (markets, usage, TCO, etc);
  • Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain process and requirements. Strategic sourcing/supplier negotiation (limited negotiation complexity);
  • Relocation is provided;
  • Ability to work effectively in a diverse and inclusive work environment;
  • Ability to handle difficult situations and cases, analyze abnormal situations, and invent new techniques;
  • Food and beverage experience is not required;
  • Costs / Results Focused.