Strategic Category Manager, Supply Chain & Negotiations

Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association, Inc. seeks an experienced Category Manager in Houston to lead category buying, foster supplier relationships, and maximize member program funding.

You will develop long term category plans, negotiate annual programs, manage budgets and rebates, set SKU strategy, and monitor performance using market data to drive value for GHRA members. This role requires strong analytical, negotiation, and communications skills and a proven track record in

Qualifications

• 5 years retail/wholesale purchasing experience with manufacturers, distributors and alternative buying sources
• Excellent analytical skills
• Very strong negotiation skills
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Good communications skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Develops long term plan and strategy for development of the category
• Plans for and negotiates annual programs, cost, delivery and payment terms for assigned categories
• Develops income and expense budgets with responsibility for category revenue
• Manages vendor contracts to ensure timely receipt of rebates and promotional funding
• Manages category business plans, budgeted allowances and margins within assigned categories
• Establishes new product selections. Identifies emerging trends, brands and items within assigned categories through lifestyle research, industry publications, supplier meetings, trade shows and market data
• Planogram development and recommendations based on results and market data
• Manages promotional activity, seasonal activity and merchandising selling events within assigned categories
• Manages new and discontinued items process to include an exit plan for all discontinued item inventory
• Manages warehouse inventory (if applicable) on slow movers, discontinued items, items with zero movement and develops plans for minimizing each
• Develops and communicates reporting on category item performance trends in markets we operate with regular updates
• Updates and maintains all essential information such as cost, package, size, SRP and projected margins
• Works effectively with members, vendors, and internal departments to determine market needs
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Planning & organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association, Inc. seeks an experienced Category Manager in Houston to lead category buying, foster supplier relationships, and maximize member program funding.

You will develop long term category plans, negotiate annual programs, manage budgets and rebates, set SKU strategy, and monitor performance using market data to drive value for GHRA members. This role requires strong analytical, negotiation, and communications skills and a proven track record in