Category Manager (Produce)

Stater Bros. Markets; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Stater Bros. Markets seeks a Category Manager (Produce) to plan and execute sales and merchandising programs, including buying, pricing, product quality, and operating costs within the Produce category.

The role requires collaborating with Store Operations, Distribution, Quality Control, and Procurement to analyze category performance and drive profitable growth. Fresh produce expertise and vendor relations are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing preferred.
• Five+ years’ experience in Fresh Produce Retail or equivalent.
• Minimum two years as Retail Produce Manager or equivalent.
• Valid California driver's license with good driving record.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong problem solving, decision making, math and analytical skills.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels inside and outside the company.

Responsibilities

• Manage category sales, profits, units, shrink, and merchandising strategies.
• Negotiate on behalf of the company.
• Collaborate with Store Operations, Distribution, Quality Control, Procurement, and vendor community.
• Survey competition and SBM stores regularly.
• Develop and execute pricing strategies for product lines and categories.
• May work some evenings and weekends.
• Maintain confidentiality of reports and company information.
• All other duties for department operations.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong problem solving

Deadline driven

Fast paced environment

Professional interaction

Confidentiality and integrity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing

Job description

A Category Manager (Produce) is responsible for the planning, implementation, and execution of the company’s sales and merchandising programs which include controlling the buying, pricing, merchandising, product quality, and operating costs of the product within their responsible categories. The role consists of representing the company in a fair, equitable and presentable manner at all times including within our vendor community, and at industry events.

A Produce Category Manager must take an active approach to learning about the communities we serve and understanding our competitive landscape. They are also expected to be subject matter experts for the commodities they are responsible for. Category Managers are responsible for reviewing category performance and making timely recommendations for change or developing new strategic approaches to drive profitable unit and sales growth for the company. In addition, Category Managers are responsible for making strategic decisions on new and discontinued items, merchandising opportunities, and working cross functionally with all supporting areas to execute the plan.

• Manage category sales, profits, units, shrink, and merchandising strategies
• Negotiate on behalf of the company
• Work closely and collaboratively with Store Operations, Distribution, Quality Control, Procurement, and our vendor community.
• Survey, visit, and understand our competition, as well as visit SBM stores regularly
• Problem solving, high-level communication, and decision-making skills are necessary to perform daily tasks
• Review Company Marketing Policies, Procedures and Programs and ensure compliance
• Regular warehouse product inspections and visits are required
• Bring a student-of-the-business mindset to develop deep subject matter expertise in your areas of responsibility
• Interview and communicate regularly with sales representatives and our vendor community
• Select ad items, display items, new items and discontinued items
• Develop and execute the pricing strategies for product lines and categories
• May be required to work some evenings and weekends
• Maintain the confidentiality of all reports and company information
• All other duties necessary for the operation of the department

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

Please describe what knowledge, skills, and abilities are required to perform the daily tasks and job duties bulleted above.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Fresh Produce Retail or equivalent and a minimum of two (2) years as a Retail Produce Manager or equivalent preferred
• Current Valid California Driver License with good driving record
• Proficient with Personal Computer to include Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Spreadsheet skills, PowerPoint, and Calendar functions of Microsoft Outlook, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong problem solving, decision making, math and analytical skills
• Ability to meet strict deadlines
• Ability to work well in an intense and fast paced environment
• Ability to deal effectively and professionally with all levels of individuals doing business from within and outside the company
• Confidentiality, integrity, accuracy, and problem solving required