Category Manager I - Merchants Distributors, LLC

Overview

To achieve sales, profit, and customer satisfaction goals by acting as the category expert. Develops programs to position us to win in the marketplace.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for omnichannel advertising strategy: print, digital, social media and marketing MDI Evolve services to suppliers.
• Using internal movement and IRI or Nielson market data, develops a plan for each category to achieve retail sales and gross profits, market share goals and specified positioning. Obtains support from all key players.
• Considers implementation of the plan at retail effect the total yield of the category. Annual strategy plans to be presented to Brand Directors for approval.
• Determines correct product assortment in current and new markets, including Private Brand offerings. Works closely with the Center of Excellence to complete planograms and their successful implementation. Closely monitors results of resets to minimize out of stocks and markdowns.
• Negotiates with vendors for lowest cost of goods. Understands and analyzes vendor cost and promotional allowance structures and how our net cost of goods compares to competition. Provide items for advertising to Brand Directors. Involved in negotiating and executing PVAs
• Sets promotional plans for items and categories that increase sales to the consumer, satisfy vendor requirements and achieve the desired total net profits. Works closely with Brand Directors to develop ideas for promotion and advertising and ensure their correct implementation.
• Stays abreast of changes in the marketplace in assigned categories by visiting our stores and competition on a regular basis. Include visits to Walmart Supercenters and non-traditional competition.
• Works with pricing to monitor and implement pricing strategy and gives final approval
• Works with Brand Directors on the MDI Food Show with planning and implementation for ads
• Responsible for sales and profit result of respective categories, monitored through Category Scorecard
• Works with members of MDI procurement to ensure we are achieving desired goals and service levels
• Responsible for coordination and execution of strategies outlined in Join Business Planning session. Coordinating with Lowes Foods on aligned strategies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience 
• Skilled in negotiation and analysis 

• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, IRI or Nielsen marketing systems as well as internal systems 
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, including conflict resolution. 
• Bilingual preferred

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