Job Details

Summary

Ready to elevate your career? Associated Grocers is the company for you! We're currently seeking a Center Store Category Manager to join our dynamic and expanding team. The Center Store Category Manager is responsible for the sales, profits, product selection and negotiating best possible price on products to meet the needs of the member retailers.

• Competitive pay, weekly payroll, a comprehensive benefits package, 401K retirement program, Paid Time Off, and a Fantastic Team Environment! •

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Responsible for driving sales and profit of assigned categories. Present and execute successful sales plans including item selection, price point, advertising and various promotional opportunities.
2. Coordinate and execute strategic planning sessions with manufacture representatives.
3. Process billing (bill-backs) to manufacturers for various allowances.
4. Monitor vendor price list and initiate price changes.
5. Negotiate cost and recommend item, price and quantity needs for all promotional activities.
6. Conduct an ongoing review of new items, product mix and recommendations.
7. Oversee set up new items, recommend initial purchase, confirm billing for new item processing, and initiate new item surveys.
8. Prepare, present and execute category review based on category review dates.
9. Support the purchasing team to maximize service levels and minimize inventory needs.
10. Manage promotional funds and utilize effectively to drive retail sales. Maintain positive balances.
11. Evaluate slow moving items for discontinuing. Contact vendors to remove discontinued items.
12. Visit member retailers to improve communication and awareness of needs.
13. Work with the Diverter Buyer to source product to and from Diverters.
14. Work with our Private Label Representative to determine best go to market strategy for our brand. Establish Private Label Accrual (PLA) for each “Our Brands” item compared to NBE for optimization. Engage TOPCO Representation with any pricing concerns compared to National Brands.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Excel spreadsheet software and Word word-processing software.

Other Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of grocery products and markets
2. Outstanding negotiation skills
3. Good communication and organizational skills
4. Maintain a clean motor vehicle report.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.