Category Manager - Grocery
Category Managers are responsible for sales optimization in their specific category group of products. This position oversees purchasing for given category through listing related products, determining competitive pricing, meeting with vendors, and coordinating sales and promotions. Supported by the Category Specialist, this position analyzes industry trends, product movement and sales trends to make an informed decision on product mix within our stores. This role provides direction to department managers for corresponding categories across all Nature's Fare Markets locations as well as are responsible for driving the success of a product category by strategically managing product selection, supplier relationships, pricing, inventory, and sales performance to meet both customer needs and business goals.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
You will take the lead on establishing vision, direction and overall successful performance of all grocery initiatives across our locations. You will use your experience and knowledge to maintain our current offerings and grow our portfolio of products to match our customers' needs.
Category Management

• Devise long-term development strategies for given product categories
• Develop and coordinate strategies related to assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement
• Build and execute various sales and profit growth strategies and to ensure performance targets are met
• Work with key stakeholders to develop core insights for sales growth and set category level targets to be able to measure success
• Liaise with Marketing and Purchasing to help create and execute seasonal strategies and programs
• Ensure that new lines are supported and rolled out to stores in a timely fashion and with any necessary support
• Review the number of deleted or discontinued items at any given store to determine special needs and issues
• Be acutely aware of competitors' product mix and pricing on top items to ensure we are remaining competitive
• Remain aware of vendor discounts and specific ordering terms to ensure they benefit Nature's Fare
• Work with the Retail Operations team to ensure that each store has the best assortment of product for their location
• Identify opportunities within our stores and warehouse with the goal of cost savings and improving margin through special buys and promotions:
  • With support from the Category Specialist, compare product movement in each store. Analyze significant differences. Make recommendations to the Department and Store Manager
  • Evaluate store and warehouse pallet and case stack special buys
  • Build programs to fully utilize opportunities such as CHFA and various other deal opportunities
  • Ensure that stores are aware of what is in the warehouse and identify other opportunities based on store feedback
• Develop and maintain a system to further promote and expand on local vendor/store programs
• Work with key stakeholders to create programs to increase sales, profit, market share
• Review reporting and analytics to measure and report on category change effectiveness
• Meet regularly with the Director to share new information, potential volume buys, strategic plans, etc.

Customer Retention, Marketing and Store Promotions

• Responsible for coordinating special vendor buys for all stores to ensure we don't miss opportunities. Will coordinate with each store Department and/or Purchasing Coordinator to take advantage of available opportunities as they arise.
• Responsible for communicating areas of opportunities in stores where special assistance by Marketing may be needed
• Maintain keen awareness of competitor offerings, regular pricing, and special promotions and ensure that Nature's Fare Markets is keeping up with outside pressures
• Work with Marketing to showcase innovation and market trends

People Management

• Provide direction and support to department managers across all locations to ensure sales optimization for category
• Visit stores and/or schedule conference calls on a regular basis to ensure there is communication between Department Managers throughout the chain, share ideas, challenges, successes strengths and weaknesses, constraints, merchandising, selling opportunities, problems, space issues, successes and challenges etc.
• Monitor margins
  • Ensure that all products are contributing to the overall projected GM
  • Investigate margin deficiencies to understand the underlying cause and address with the responsible team

New Product Review and Analysis for Decision Making

• Verify that products meet our ingredient standards
• Set competitive pricing strategies to maximize sales and profitability
• Be acutely aware of competitor pricing in the marketplace when determining retail pricing
• Ensure retail pricing strategy meets margin expectations
• Set sales targets and work with Supplier Partners to develop strategies to achieve them
• Plan and execute promotional activities to drive sales and clear out inventory
• Decide assortment specific to each store and provide the why
• Negotiate free fills, opening discounts, deeper discounts, EDLPs, and other ongoing opportunities
• Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities
• Use data analytics to inform decisions and strategies
• Stay updated on industry developments and consumer behavior
• Monitor and analyze sales performance within the category
• Perform GAP analysis to ensure new product makes it on shelf
• Identify opportunities for growth and areas needing improvement

Vendor/Broker Meetings

• Establish a positive relationship with brokers and distributors
• Discuss new products, changes, de-listings and opportunities
• Periodically review vendor listings to ensure that lines are successful and contributing to increasing overall GM
• Gather information on product performance; identify if promotional plans require changes
• Work closely with Vendors on COOP planning, to ensure all brands are set up for success
• Request Market Trend analysis reports to support innovation and changes to categories
• Place an emphasis on finding local vendors and products that will help to differentiate our offerings from other stores
• Assist in the setup of new vendors, including assisting local vendors with obtaining the requirements necessary for products to be in our stores
• Delegate the administrative portion of vendor set up to Category Specialists

Flyers

• Take the lead on COOP planning, ensuring we have a solid plan in place for the year that will optimally grow our business
• Make recommendations for brands/items to be included in themed pages
• Set flyer retail to achieve target margin and remain relevant to our customers
• Proof flyers to verify that latest packaging is correct, and sale retails are in line with market dynamics

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• 5 years minimum experience in Category Management
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with purchasing in a retail/grocery environment - specifically related to grocery
• Passion for natural grocery options
• You know the best products and are obsessed with delivering high quality options
• Strong people leader who is willing to roll up your sleeves and assist in training & development while never losing sight of the entire business operation
• Someone who loves digging into analytics, developing KPIs and driving performance to hit targets. You have a strong and proven track record of financial success.
• Strategic leader and able to communicate annual, monthly and weekly plans to various stakeholders
• Someone who loves people and is passionate about building meaningful, collaborative relationships.
• This position is located at our Head Office in Vernon with the requirement to travel periodically throughout the year to our locations as well as industry events and trade shows

PERKS:

• Competitive wages with a starting range of $70,000 - $85,000 annual salary. The compensation offered for this position will take into consideration location, education, skills, experience, and other factors.
• Flexible benefit package (Comprehensive package and health spending account)
• Up to 25% store discount
• Education allowance
• Free swag (products, food, clothing + more)
• Positive team environment (working with like-minded, vision-driven people who enjoy what they do!)

Some Things You Should Know About Us:

• We connect as a team to solve problems, and enjoy catching up on each other's personal lives as a break from the day to day
• Challenging the status quo – this is always a focus in our conversations – we love influencing positive change across departments
• Work/life balance is important to us – we've mastered the art of focusing our efforts during the day so we're mindful of not bringing work home each day
• Documentation and structured processes are our jam
• We take our work seriously, but we don't take ourselves too seriously
• We like to remain humble but take pride in a job well done!

Put your passion into work that matters with a growing, BC-based company, committed to being a better company for our customers, our employees, and the planet. We'll surround you with a great team and a supportive learning environment where you can grow and thrive.
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply online today!

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