Category Manager - Home & Consumables (Buyer)

Theisen's Home Farm Auto; 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

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

A retail company is seeking a Category Manager for Home & Consumables. The successful candidate will oversee product performance by conducting market analysis, create and implement category strategies, and manage supplier relationships. Ideal candidates have strong analytical and negotiation skills and at least 3 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 3 years related experience preferred.
• Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market analysis to identify opportunities for category growth.
• Create and execute category strategies to maximize sales.
• Manage product lifecycle and relationships with suppliers.
• Work with cross-functional teams to implement category strategies.
• Utilize systems to track category performance and trends.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

Overview

Category Manager - Home & Consumables (Buyer) at Theisen's Home Farm Auto. Employment Type: Full Time. Supervisor: Divisional Merchandise Manager. Location: Store Support Center.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

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

Full-Time Benefits

• Health 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 respect, collaboration, and service to our communities. We believe in Customer First, One Connected Team, and Giving Back. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every associate is valued and encouraged to grow. Theisen's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.