Category Manager

The primary purpose of this position is responsible to manage the assortment, sales, markdowns, margins, net profit, and inventory of  assigned product categories.. The successful candidate is will be a strategic thinker with the ability to innovate in order to anticipate the needs of the  our customers across the areas in which we trade. In addition, they will be tactical and detail-oriented with strong analytical and project management skills to promote sales growth, profitability and increase basket size by offering a wide variety of products. Frequent independent judgments are essential. Negotiation skills are critical as the category manager must maintain winning partnerships with the vendor/supplier community to build mutual sales of both national brands and Weis private label products.  The incumbent is also required to perform all tasks in a safe manner consistent with corporate policies and applicable laws.

The associate is responsible for the functions below, in addition to other duties as assigned:

1. Analyze weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales results.

2. Achieve sales and margin targets as developed in the planning process.

3. Develop assortment plans by product group customized as needed to meet the needs of customers and potential customers in our trade area

4. Manage category planning including product assortment, pricing, placement and promotion. Oversee the inventory management of product life cycles, including promotional purchases.

5. Negotiate product cost to support a consistent competitive pricing plan.

6. Negotiate favorable annual Joint Business Plans, including terms, swell, trade allowances, advertising allowances, new item allowances with suppliers.

7. Develop marketing programs to support mutual initiatives between Weis and the vendor, including but not limited to tactics such as social media, electronic marketing, customer club benefits, direct mail and online strategies.

8. Oversee incremental income such as advertising cooperatives, markdown monies, coupon redemption, rebates, scan backs, and temporary price reductions.

9. Identify and implement private label opportunities.

10. Embrace changes to technology and business process for efficiencies, including analytical tools and resources, syndicated data, Computer Generated Ordering, Scan Based Trading technology and the vendor portal.

11. Coordinate and communicate effectively with Operations team to ensure precise implementation of category offerings of products.

12. Work closely with other Category Managers to optimize merchandising strategies and overall store performance.

13. Develop and implement category and product line business strategies.

14. Take responsibility to understand and respond to current industry trends and competitive strategies in all channels of trade, as well as applicable legal requirements in regard to food safety, taxation, food assistance programs, and any product restrictions or requirements for assigned categories.

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business or Marketing or related field, plus five (5) years' experience in retail buying or equivalent combination of education and experience.  In addition, the associate should have retail store experience.