Category Management Associate | Onsite  

The Category Management Associate has an excellent knowledge of the products, consumer needs, buying practices, competitors, sales goals and retail environment related to the assigned category.

Category Management Associate makes use of this knowledge to drive the pricing, positioning, placement and promotions of the category's products and strives to make them relevant, visible, accessible, and appealing to customers.

Category Management Associate works with other team members and departments to ensure business profitability and sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The overall responsibility of the Category Management Associate is to optimize sales for a particular group of products. It is essential that a Category Management Associates be able to maintain a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with vendors and to create an interactive and engaging relationship with customers. The primary responsibilities are:

1. Vendor Management,
2. Pricing & Marketing,
3. Planning & Inventory Control.

Vendor Management. Managing vendor relationships is key to the success of a Category Management Associate. The right selection, availability, and acquisition of products is dependent on effective communications and cooperative relationships with vendors. Often Category Management Associates are responsible for negotiating pricing, delivery and payment terms with vendors, all of which affect the retail profit margin of the products and the individual retail store. Positive and productive vendor relationships will also directly affect the in-store pricing and marketing of the products within a category. A favorable relationship with vendors enhances the swift and steady flow of merchandise in and out of the store.

Pricing & Marketing. The pricing of merchandise is one of the most important aspects of competitive positioning and the successful marketing of a product. Category Management Associates are often responsible for setting competitive pricing points, and adjusting the pricing to increase sales and clear out stagnant items from inventory. Category Management Associates often work closely with buyers to expand successful product lines, and implement successful exit strategies for unsuccessful unpopular merchandise. Category Management Associates also work closely with Marketing and Frontlines to ensure that customers needs and demands are prioritized. Successful marketing of a product or product line requires the right formula which includes understanding customer behaviors and buying decisions, pricing and stock availability, balanced with consumer demand. It is the job of a Category Management Associate to be an expert in the basic marketing success formula - the right products at the right time for the right price.

Planning & Inventory. Category Management Associates are responsible for managing inventory and for effectively planning and forecasting in order to maximize the profitability of the inventory flow. Balancing projected forecasts and actual sales, Category Management Associates create trend forecasts and implement sales plans. Financial analysis is also a key part of the planning responsibilities of a Category Management Associate.

• Graduate of a business or marketing course;
• Preferably with strong background in merchandising and vendor relationships;
• Experience with product purchasing, financial analysis, and inventory control is preferred for a new category manager as well. Sales and marketing experience is a plus;
• Must be analytical and data-driven;
• Able to multi-task, dynamic and flexible;
• Confident especially in challenging decisions that are not in the Company’s best interests;
• Honest and trustworthy;
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills;
• Eager to embrace change;
• Has effective interpersonal skills. Intuitive and personable;
• Accessible; promotes teamwork and encourages feedback.