Category Manager; Buyer; Automotive

Category Manager - Automotive

Employment Type: Full Time

Supervisor: Divisional Merchandise Manager

Location: Store Support Center

Responsible for overseeing and optimizing the performance of a specific product category within the company by analyzing market trends, developing strategies, managing retail pricing, promoting and developing and implementing best-in-class assortments. Key duties include market research, competitor analysis, developing marketing initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve category goals.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3 years related experience preferred

• Market analysis:
• Conduct in-depth research on market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for category growth.
• Strategy development:
• Create and execute category strategies including pricing, promotional plans, product assortment, and space allocation to maximize sales and profitability. Maintain a relationship with the stores to determine product opportunities.
• Product management:
• Manage the product lifecycle within the category, including new product introductions, product discontinuation, and product positioning. Create strategic planograms utilizing store volume groups based on sales and available space.
• Supplier management:
• Cultivate and maintain supplier relationships. Negotiate with suppliers on minimum order amount, cost, case packs, freight terms, product allocation, lead time, fill rate, payment terms, marketing funds, promotional terms, buybacks, return policies, product exclusivity, guaranteed sales etc. to optimize category profitability. Actively search for new suppliers to create a competitive supplier culture to enhance value proposition within category. Perform quarterly Category and Line Reviews to maximize assortment and program elements among suppliers.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, store planning, operations and DC to implement category strategies. Visit stores, utilizing front line associates to identify opportunities within the category. Participate in Buyer Committee calls quarterly to listen to our associates regarding potential opportunities.
• Data analysis:
• Utilize systems to track category performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong analytical skills and data interpretation abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse teams
• Strategic thinking and ability to develop effective category plans
• Market knowledge and understanding of consumer behavior
• Negotiation skills to manage supplier relationships
• Financial acumen and budgeting expertise
• Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools

Frequent physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, dexterity, and light grasping. Occasional physical demands include lifting up to 25 lbs., bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs and firmly grasping. The employee is required to accept incoming calls and must be able to hear and speak. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision adequate for the incumbent to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently.

The associate must have the manual dexterity to manually operate and use a computer and other basic office equipment.

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