Category Manager; Beer, Wine & Spirits

Category Manager (Beer, Wine & Spirits)

Store Support Center,
600 Citadel Drive, Commerce, CA.

The Category Manager reports to the Senior Category Manager and manages specific food and non‑food categories, taking responsibility for all facets of business within the assigned categories.

• Negotiates with vendors for cost of goods, promotional dollars, rebates, delivery terms, payment terms and growth incentives within corporate guidelines.
• Becomes the category leader during major category reviews and analysis, communicating inter‑departmentally with all related areas such as space management, marketing, operations, merchandising and others involved in major reviews.
• Maintains awareness of market trends and analyzes data from IRI, Nielsen and other reliable sources.
• Stays updated on all competitive situations for key items and reacts when necessary.
• Interviews vendors for new product presentations and makes decisions on new items.
• Determines what products will be advertised and promoted in the stores.
• Analyzes product profitability, selection, display, and assortment using category‑management practices.
• Analyzes external and internal data, interprets it, and makes decisions and recommendations to management based on that data.
• Works with corporate brands to develop private‑label product lines to enhance sales and profits.
• Collaborates with the Replenishment Buyer to manage inventory turns, service level, order cycles, deal implementation and general supply‑chain practices.
• Budget and monitors sales and margin plans of assigned categories in accordance with company overall goals.
• Audits competitive product selection, displays and pricing through on‑site visits.
• Directs merchandising and pricing departments to maximize sales and profits in assigned categories.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree from a four‑year college or university, two years of relevant experience, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Retail Management Program Certification is desired.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, oral and written communication, and strong analytical skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop, manipulate, format and share spreadsheets for purposes of analysis.
• Knowledge of Access or a similar relational database is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and general ability to adapt to new software.

The starting salary for this position is $100, the actual starting pay will be determined by a number of qualifications, including experience and relevant skills.