Category Manager

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the Shop Rite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Morton Williams banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

The Category Manager is a self-motivated and driven contributor to the Grocery Procurement team, and an expert on the pricing, visual merchandising, management and sales of categories of products. The Category Manager is responsible for driving the pricing, shelving, marketing and promotions of products to make them visible, accessible and appealing to customers. This position requires a working knowledge of the products within the division, ability to comprehend consumer needs and buying practices, and understand the sales goals and environment related to the merchandise category.

The primary responsibilities of the Category Manager are vendor management, pricing and marketing, creation of programs, in-store merchandising, and planning and inventory management.

• Four-year College degree or currently enrolled night student with a minimum of 60 or more college credits completed towards a Business Degree.
• Must have at least 2 years of previous purchasing experience in a retail organization and an understanding of surrounding laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze consumer data and identify trends.
• Aptitude for detailed and figure-oriented work and the ability to learn computer systems easily.
• Experienced in giving presentations with the ability to adapt to differing perspectives.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Clear ability to analyze data to make category decisions.
• A thorough understanding of retail insights.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Previous experience and knowledge of a retail environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate category strategies and the impact on total store.
• Proven experience of highly effective supplier management and development.
• Experience of managing business improvements projects within a Supply Chain & Purchasing environment.

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Successfully navigates the organization and collaborates with other departments within the organization.
• Provides co-op members with customer-focused insights and guidance regarding the product and category.
• Creates and develops a short- and long-term plan and strategy for development of the category.
• Ability to give directions and guidance to analyst pool as needed.
• Leads category management projects to optimize ranges and related merchandising.
• Manages a large portfolio of products and develops appropriate strategies for each.
• Develops strong working relationships with buying, marketing and merchandising teams.
• Actively works to drive sales and maximize profits for Wakefern Members.

• Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands
• Ability to monitor computer screens for long periods of time
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule as established by the division (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)

The salary for this position is $90,000-$125,000. Placement in the salary depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.

Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.

This job description is intended to set forth the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of the work performed by associates for this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates to do this job. Associates may be…