Manager I Category (ACM) - NP

Stop & Shop; Quincy (MA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture & diversity

Comprehensive benefits

Career development

Associate discounts

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Stop & Shop in Quincy, MA seeks an Assistant Category Manager to drive category strategies with a consumer-focused approach. You will oversee merchandising and pricing activities, manage shelf presentation, and negotiate with vendors to optimize the assortment and costs while collaborating with Banner teams.

You will mentor analysts, support cross-functional planning, and help achieve KPIs like sales, margin and market share through continuous improvement and alignment with the business plan.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years in retail, merchandising, pricing, and distribution.
• Knowledge of Fresh or Center Store categories.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Travel required (8–12%)

Responsibilities

• Support category strategies and initiatives with the Category Manager.
• Lead and mentor a team of analysts and administrators.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure advantageous programs.
• Collaborate across departments to meet Sales, Margin and KPI targets.
• Oversee shelf presentation, assortment decisions and cost negotiations.

Skills

Merchandising

Category management

Vendor negotiations

Leadership

Forecasting

Data analysis

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Category/Area of Expertise: Merchandising

Job Requisition: 552936

Address: USA-MA-Quincy-1385 Hancock Street

Store Code: Center Store Grocery 1 - Brands (5148860)

Here at Stop & Shop, we've been serving our customers and neighborhoods for more than a century. A lot has changed in that time, but one thing hasn't: Stop & Shop is a place where everyone can thrive and feel like they're part of family.

Our more than 50,000 associates enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits and discounts to support professional and personal journeys and flexibility that fits their lives.

As an Assistant Category Manager, you will play a key role in supporting Stop & Shop's daily selling activities with a strong consumer-focused approach, managing Category, Merchandising, and Pricing responsibilities. You will be accountable for managing vendor relationships and negotiations with minimal supervision from the Category Manager (CM). You'll also provide leadership support to the Category team and work closely with the CM to determine appropriate duties and responsibilities. You will oversee processes related to shelf presentation, assortment decisions, cost negotiations, promotional planning, and product/program development for assigned categories. Collaboration with teams across Shelf Merchandising, Banner Merchandising, Pricing, and Replenishment is essential to deliver a unified and effective Category plan aligned with each Banner's strategy and Integrated Business Plan. Additionally, you'll work with Retail Operations, Marketing, Merchandising Governance & Planning (MGP), our Brands, and Master Data Management to ensure organizational alignment and optimal portfolio performance.

What we ask of you:

• Leverage prior merchandising or category merchandising experience to support the implementation of strategies and initiatives across Category, Merchandising, and Pricing with the Category Manager.
• Lead and mentor a team of analysts and administrators, providing direction and leadership on day-to-day activities.
• Assist in crafting a comprehensive Category strategy that meets consumer needs and drives Category goals while supporting the Banner Integrated Business Plan.
• Collaborate across departments to meet key performance metrics, including Sales, Movement, Market Share, Net Contribution, Profit, and Shrink. These metrics may evolve depending on business priorities.
• Conduct thorough analysis of categories to support the achievement of Banner strategies.
• Lead negotiations with vendors and collaborate with the team to secure advantageous programs that drive cost reductions while maintaining an optimal item mix.
• Work with the Category Manager to negotiate the lowest costs across all elements, such as logistics, distribution, shrink, and reclaim, including swell allowances.
• Manage vendor allowances in partnership with the Category Manager to ensure targets are met.
• Maximize the potential of Our Brand items to build consumer loyalty and enhance profitability for both the Category and Delhaize America (DA).
• Collaborate with Fresh Foods Buyers to meet service and inventory level objectives.
• Support the forecasting of ad items and seasonal projections.
• Develop projections for Sales, Margin, Shrink, and Labor for each new program.
• Maintain and update the order guide.
• Provide guidance and motivation to peers while being an effective advocate for change and growth within the team.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture within the team and department.
• Serve on key teams and committees as needed.
• Oversee the development and growth of analysts, Buyers, and Pricing Analyst team members.

What you bring to the table:

• 6-8 years of combined experience in retail, merchandising, category management, pricing, logistics, supply chain, procurement, and distribution.
• Knowledge of relevant practice areas, including Fresh or Center Store categories.
• Strong understanding of company, business, and industry practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Travel required (typically 8-12%).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing vendor relationships, including brokers and third-party consultants.
• Proven negotiation experience.

What we bring to the table:

• Culture committed to celebrating diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Comprehensive benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Associate discounts
• Team of associates dedicated to serving our local customers and supporting our communities
• Flexible, hybrid work environment with three days a week at our Quincy Corporate office and the remaining days working remotely

The salary range for position is $106,480- $159,720 and will be commensurate with background, experience as well as internal equity.

Stop & Shop is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.