Job Information
United Natural Foods Senior Category Manager - GM HBC (Remote) in Hopkins, Minnesota
Senior Category Manager - GM HBC (Remote)
United States of America, Minnesota, Hopkins
Merchandising
Post Date Apr 10, 2023
Requisition # 151420
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PURPOSE:
The Senior Category Manager (CM) is responsible for supporting the Category Director in developing and carrying out the Category Business Plan (CBP). Responsible for coordinating team activities that support multiple categories in a customer facing business model. Through execution of the category strategy, the Senior Category Manager works to meet and exceed sales and margin expectations. As directed by the Category Director, the Sr CM coordinates ad/promo priorities, refines assortment and presentation, and works with retail customers on pricing guidelines and tactics. Directs the day-to-day activities of the Category Merch Specialist. The Sr CM will also manage well-established categories or subcategories at the Center of Excellence (COE).
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Category Business Planning:
Establishes the overall strategy in order to meet and exceed sales and margin expectations of a given category.
Executes on strategies and initiatives; delivers against period, quarterly and annual forecast; provides input to the
development of a strategic Category Business Plan (CBP).
Has management responsibility of categories or subcategories.
Develops innovative new products, programs, and processes to deliver industry differentiation within category.
Reviews competitive activity and adjusts programs and tactics accordingly.
Establishes, manages and disseminates quarterly sales targets by category.
Utilizes category scorecards and consumer insights to identify trends that lead to alignment of sales and profit
goals and commitments.
Sets, reconciles and manages annual and quarterly promotional programs by category.
Financial Tools Analysis:
Provide recommendations for Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement Review and budgeting for category(s).
Pricing:
Partners with SSG pricing team to set pricing guidelines/tactics; reviews/recommends prices for national vendor items; develops and maintains sensitive items list.
Establishes pricing strategy and goals by category by marketplace.
Provides direction to pricing specialist for price changes. Actively reviews on everyday pricing targets by region/customer and recommends necessary adjustments based on pricing goals consistent with strategy.
Promotion:
Synthesizes market, supplier, and consumer information to identify national promo opportunities; provides input to departmental leadership on ad space allocations by department/banner (i.e., ad space plan); negotiates promo/display and ad terms for national deals.
Utilize promotion tools to achieve Category Business Plan.
Shelf Management, Assortment & Resets:
Reviews full assortment and develops plan; builds regional/banner assortment and presentation; reviews lines and new items with national vendors; reviews and approves national and local vendor recommendations; owns discontinue/markdown planning for national items, item and vendor setup.
Leads development of shelf presentation (POG); works in collaboration with regional and banner merchants to collect feedback.
Is aware of impact of store clustering & demographics to make sound business decision to support neighborhood market strategy.
Sourcing:
Understands the dynamics of sourcing; Reviews sourcing plans and gives input.2
Negotiations:
Cultivates effective relationships with vendors and participates in national vendor negotiations.
Establishes and manages the vendor funds strategy, is responsible for national and local vendor approval, and classification.
Establishes strategic relations with key suppliers that lead to new consumer and industry insights.
Help develop contracts with input from legal
Reconcile contract to performance
People & Project Leadership:
Independently problem solves issues and leads projects for department and company
Provides direction to Category Merch Specialists, Category Analysts and Category Managers at the COE in initiatives and day-to-day tasks; coaches and develops individuals identified as highly performing in the
Specialist/CM role.
Performs other relevant job duties as required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience:
5+ Category Management experience, with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g.,
Spectre Daata, Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications)
Previous experience in store operations or merchandising preferred
Has an in-depth understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices (P&L, financial management, etc).
Other Skills/ Abilities:
Experience with syndicated data
Experience writing and executing a detailed business plan
Analytical Skills : Must have a strong knowledge base in supermarket retail and an understanding of consumer behavior in relation to product performance; must carry a detailed understanding of cause-effect relations between operational levers and performance (assortment/price vs. volume/margins) by utilizing financial, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and/or consumer research background. Strong planning and organizational skills.
Management Skills : Experience in successfully leading, motivating and monitoring performance; strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to partner with the banners as a team.
Communication Skills : Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside of the company.
Technical skills: Well developed computer aptitude with proficient skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Must be able to adapt to and learn new systems quickly.
Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to work successfully across all areas of the company; can successfully monitor performance; strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to influence and lead effective partnerships with the banners; can thrive in a complicated matrix environment.
Innovation: Champions new ideas and initiatives and creates an environment that supports innovation. leverages fresh perspectives, breakthrough ideas, and new paradigms to create value in the market.
Strategic Skills : Demonstrate ability to understand and think big picture; develop and deliver category plans and programs that compliment both the corporate and departmental strategies leading to strong category sales and profit performance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Additional Information
Company Name: UNFI Wholesale Inc.
Schedule: Full-time
Compensation
Pay Range: $90300.00 - $169100.00 Annually ($43.41 - $81.30 Hourly)
Other Compensation: Bonus Eligible
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), Click HERE for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate’s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $1,000 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI’s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors.
UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.