Job Description

Position Title: Category Manager
Requisition ID: 33892
Career Group (ADSP): Administrative
Division: Discount Merchandising (80201542)
Department: Merchandising
Work Location: METRO ON - 5559 DUNDAS STREET W (#A-DUND)
Province: Canada : Ontario
Position Type: Permanent
POSITION SUMMARY: The Category Manager is responsible for the management of the assigned category of products including profitability, sales, advertising, category planning, vendor negotiations, SKU selection, and customer service (stores and retail consumers).
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• 
  Develop sales and promotional strategies including advertising layout, theme events, seasonal opportunities and in-store demonstrations in order to achieve category targets.
• Responsible for defining product assortment and negotiating terms and conditions of purchase.
• Maintain promotional calendar to maximize sales and profits.
• Accountable for meeting overall strategy and implementation. Implement overall strategies for initiatives and set retail objectives for category. Comply with corporate and regional guidelines.
• Complete periodic category reviews in selected categories in conjunction with AC Nielsen and selected members of the vendor community. Conduct analysis of retail history, advertising success, product movement and overall category movement. Sets objectives accordingly to meet overall sales and profit targets.
• Monitor all competitive and industry activities (including trends, fads, etc.) regarding merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing and promotions and use findings to support continuous improvement and innovation in the category.
  • Conduct biweekly competitive store visits to gain first hand insight
  • Modify category plans as needed to be responsive to customer needs.
• Identify consumer requirements and develop merchandising plans to meet those requirements.
• Maintain contact with Store Managers, Merchandisers, Inventory Managers, and others to answer questions or resolve issues regarding products or services in assigned business initiatives.
• Monitor market conditions that impact categories within the complete retail marketing place.
• Manage departmental employee relations, including performance management.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• University degree
• 5-7 years of retail experience (preferably within a management role) within the grocery industry
• Strong Negotiation and analytical skills
• Strong MS office and Computer skills, Intermediate to Advanced level knowledge of Excel

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and achieve deadlines
• Problem solving skills
• Detail oriented
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
  EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Office environment.
• Flexibility in hours of work is required.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Occasional travel required.