Job Description

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway®, Dibruno Bros. and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

The Category Manager is a self-motivated and driven contributor to the HBC procurement team, and an expert on the pricing, visual merchandising, management and sales of categories of products. The Category Manager is responsible to drive the pricing, shelving, marketing and promotions of products to make them visible, accessible and appealing to customers. This position requires a working knowledge of the products within the division, ability to comprehend consumer needs and buying practices, and understand the sales goals and environment related to the merchandise category. The primary responsibilities of the Category Manager are vendor management, pricing and marketing, creation of programs, in-store merchandising, and planning and inventory management.

Essential Functions

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Successfully navigates the organization and collaborates with other departments within the organization
• Provides co-op members with customer focused insights and guidance regarding the product and category
• Creates and develops a short and long-term plan and strategy for development of the category
• Able to give direction and guidance to analyst pool as needed
• Leads category management projects to optimize ranges and related merchandising
• Manages categories with a focus on customer and fiscal responsibility
• Manages a large portfolio of products and develops appropriate strategies for each
• Develops strong working relationships with buying, marketing and merchandising teams
• Actively works to drive sales and maximize profits for Wakefern Members

Qualifications

• Four year College degree in related filed
• Must have at least 2 years of previous purchasing experience in a retail organization and an understanding of surrounding laws and regulations
• Able to analyze consumer data and identify trends
• Aptitude for detail and figure oriented work and the ability to learn computer systems easily
• Experienced in giving presentations with the ability to adapt to differing perspectives
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills
• Clear ability to analyze data to make category decisions
• A thorough understanding of retail insights
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Previous experience and knowledge of a retail environment
• Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate category strategies and the impact on total store
• Proven experience of highly effective supplier management and development
• Experience of managing business improvements projects within a Supply Chain & Purchasing environment

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to sit/stand in front of a computer for long periods of time
• Ability to participate in retail store visits
• Ability to travel as required
• Ability to adhere to the company’s four day in office requirement

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