Center Store Category Lead: Data-Driven Merchandising

Carlie C's IGA; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Carlie C's IGA is seeking a data-driven Category Manager to lead our Center Store categories, including Dry Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, and Health & Beauty Care. You will own the category P&L, negotiate with vendors, set pricing, plan promotions, and optimize shelf placement to maximize sales.

Use syndicated data (Nielsen/IRI) and internal metrics to guide decisions. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Marketing, Store Operations, and Pricing to implement category strategies and effective planograms that

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive retail management experience in grocery.
• Deep understanding of planograms, cross-merchandising, seasonal transitions, and consumer buying behaviors.
• Leadership and coaching ability with teams without relying solely on formal authority.
• Strong analytical skills to read financial reports, sales data, and inventory metrics.
• Willingness and ability to travel between store locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category business plans to achieve sales, margin, and turnover goals.
• Continuously review and refine product assortment; onboard new products and discontinue underperforming SKUs; design exit strategies for seasonal, dated and closeout products.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers for optimal cost, funding, and promotional support.
• Establish competitive pricing strategies and design high-impact promotional programs to drive customer traffic and basket size.
• Leverage syndicated data and internal metrics to make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Marketing, Store Operations, and Pricing teams to ensure seamless execution of category strategies.
• Planogramming: develop effective planograms that improve shop ability and maximize sales per square foot.

Skills

Retail management

Planogramming

Vendor negotiations

Data analysis

Leadership

Nielsen/IRI data access

Tools

Nielsen/IRI data access

Job description

Carlie C's IGA is seeking a data-driven Category Manager to lead our Center Store categories, including Dry Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, and Health & Beauty Care. You will own the category P&L, negotiate with vendors, set pricing, plan promotions, and optimize shelf placement to maximize sales.

Use syndicated data (Nielsen/IRI) and internal metrics to guide decisions. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Marketing, Store Operations, and Pricing to implement category strategies and effective planograms that