Category Manager (Buyer) - Automotive

Theisen's, Inc.; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive match on 401K

PTO

Holidays

Birthday-off with pay

Associate discount

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Job summary

Theisen's, Inc. is seeking a Category Manager - Automotive to oversee and optimize the performance of their automotive product category. The role requires in-depth market analysis, developing effective category strategies, and managing supplier relationships. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and utilize data systems to drive strategic decisions, contributing to category growth and profitability while upholding the company's values of respect and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3 years related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on market trends and competitor activity.
• Create and execute category strategies including pricing and promotions.
• Manage product lifecycle, including new product introductions.
• Negotiate with suppliers to optimize category profitability.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to implement category strategies.
• Utilize systems to track category performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Market knowledge

Negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Proficiency in software

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Category Manager - Automotive

Employment Type: Full Time

Supervisor: Divisional Merchandise Manager

Location: Store Support Center

Job Description

Responsible for overseeing and optimizing the performance of a specific product category within the company by analyzing market trends, developing strategies, managing retail pricing, promoting and developing and implementing best-in-class assortments. Key duties include market research, competitor analysis, developing marketing initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve category goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3 years related experience preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Market analysis: Conduct in-depth research on market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for category growth.
• Strategy development: Create and execute category strategies including pricing, promotional plans, product assortment, and space allocation to maximize sales and profitability. Maintain a relationship with the stores to determine product opportunities.
• Product management: Manage the product lifecycle within the category, including new product introductions, product discontinuation, and product positioning. Create strategic planograms utilizing store volume groups based on sales and available space.
• Supplier management: Cultivate and maintain supplier relationships. Negotiate with suppliers on minimum order amount, cost, case packs, freight terms, product allocation, lead time, fill rate, payment terms, marketing funds, promotional terms, buybacks, return policies, product exclusivity, guaranteed sales etc. to optimize category profitability. Actively search for new suppliers to create a competitive supplier culture to enhance value proposition within category. Perform quarterly Category and Line Reviews to maximize assortment and program elements among suppliers.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, store planning, operations and DC to implement category strategies. Visit stores, utilizing front line associates to identify opportunities within the category. Participate in Buyer Committee calls quarterly to listen to our associates regarding potential opportunities.
• Data analysis: Utilize systems to track category performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills and data interpretation abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse teams
• Strategic thinking and ability to develop effective category plans
• Market knowledge and understanding of consumer behavior
• Negotiation skills to manage supplier relationships
• Financial acumen and budgeting expertise
• Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools

Physical Demands

Frequent physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, dexterity, and light grasping. Occasional physical demands include lifting up to 25 lbs., bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs and firmly grasping. The employee is required to accept incoming calls and must be able to hear and speak. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision adequate for the incumbent to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently. The associate must have the manual dexterity to manually operate and use a computer and other basic office equipment.

Work Environment and Working Conditions

This position will be performed inside a climate-controlled office facility. The noise level is low to medium and typical of an office environment. Potential hazards include electrical hazards. Atmospheric conditions are typical of an office environment and may include exposure to odors and dust.

Benefits

Part-Time and Full-Time Eligible:

• Competitive match on 401K
• PTO
• Holidays
• Birthday-off with pay
• Associate discount and many other benefits

Full-Time Also Eligible:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability

Company Culture and Values

At Theisen's, our company culture is built on a foundation of respect, collaboration, and service to our communities. We believe in putting Customer First, working together as One Connected Team, and always finding ways to Give Back. These three pillars guide how we approach our work and interact with each other every day.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every associate is valued and encouraged to grow. At Theisen's, we strive to make a positive impact on our customers, our communities, and each other, creating a workplace where hard work, dedication, and innovation are celebrated.

Theisen’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.