Sr. Category Manager- Retail -Stillwater, MN

* This role is hybrid located in Stillwater, MN.

The Senior Category Manager Meat (Sr. CM) is a strategic leader responsible for driving growth, profitability, and innovation within assigned categories. This role is pivotal in the development and execution of comprehensive Category Business Plans (CBP), leveraging data analytics, consumer insights, and market trends to achieve and exceed sales, margin, and market share targets. The Sr. CM collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams, oversees vendor relationships, and provides guidance to Category Managers and other team members, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.

This role demands a strategic thinker with robust analytical abilities, negotiation skills, and an ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. The Sr. CM will play a vital role in achieving business growth and competitive advantage by driving best‑in‑class category management practices and fostering innovation.

• Develop and execute annual CBPs that align with broader business strategies and objectives. Establish and monitor quarterly and annual sales and margin targets for assigned categories or subcategories.

• Utilize advanced data analytics tools, including Nielsen data, to assess market trends, identify growth opportunities, and refine category strategies.

• Design innovative programs and products to differentiate the category in the market.

• Achieve or exceed sales and profitability targets through effective pricing, promotion, and assortment strategies. Evaluate the impact of these activities and adjust tactics as needed to drive continuous improvement.

• Regularly review category scorecards to track performance, identify trends, and align with profit and sales goals.

• Develop and manage category‑specific pricing strategies, collaborating with the pricing team to implement consistent pricing guidelines and goals. Review pricing tactics with senior leadership and adjust to align with market and business strategy.

• Oversee the pricing for national vendor items, maintaining a sensitive items list to optimize pricing integrity across markets.

• Lead the design and execution of promotional calendars and ad space allocations. Negotiate terms for national deals and collaborate with senior leadership to maximize promotional opportunities across banners and departments.

• Track and analyze promotional effectiveness, providing insights for enhanced performance.

• Optimize category assortment, deciding on new product introductions, item discontinuations, and markdown strategies. Collaborate on the development of plan‑o‑grams (POG) to ensure impactful shelf presentation.

• Adapt category assortment and shelf layout to align with store clustering, regional demographics, and neighborhood market strategies.

• Cultivate strategic relationships with key suppliers, participating in national vendor negotiations to secure optimal terms. Establish and manage vendor funding strategies, classifying vendors, and managing contracts in collaboration with the legal team.

• Partner with procurement to ensure that sourcing plans support category strategies and objectives.

• Provide guidance and oversight to Category Managers, Category Merch Specialists, and Analysts, coaching high‑performing individuals to foster growth and align with departmental objectives.

• Coordinate category management activities and provide project leadership, independently resolving issues and ensuring effective project execution.

• Work closely with merchandising, store operations, and other teams to execute category plans seamlessly. Participate in joint business planning with strategic partners, ensuring that all aspects of category management align with corporate initiatives.

• Stay informed of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities to refine strategies and introduce…