Associate Category Manager

## Associate Category Manager Apply locations:
HOME (WLA) time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
REQ-33244
** About Ace Retail Group
** Ace Retail Group (ARG), is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. ARG is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States and has two headquarters located in Lenexa, KS and Farmington Hills, MI. ARG’s origins date back over a century and operates over 250 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States.

Great people make ARG stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company founded on (and still led by) our solid Core Values of:
Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork.
** About Ace Retail Group
** Ace Retail Group (ARG) is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several well-known Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. As one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States, ARG operates more than 250 neighborhood stores nationwide and maintains its headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas.

With roots dating back over a century, ARG’s success is driven by its people. What truly sets us apart in the industry is our commitment to hiring and developing individuals who are passionate about personal and professional growth and who want to be part of a company built on strong, enduring Core Values:
** Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork
**** General

Job Summary
** The Associate Category Manager supports the Senior Regional Category Manager in managing direct vendor assortments, sourcing, and merchandising strategies to drive profitable sales for California region. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including inventory, marketing, and merchandising, to ensure alignment and execution of category initiatives.
** Essential Duties and Responsibilities
**** Assortment Strategy and Management
*** Develop quality product assortments that drive sales and profitable growth.
* Provide strategic direction for the development of advertising and marketing initiatives to drive sales and transaction growth.
* Identify localized opportunities to ensure a merchandise assortment that meets the needs of the varied consumer base where appropriate.
* Support Nursery assortment planning, pre-season ordering, and vendor management.
* Analyze and monitor sales, trends, and economic conditions within a specific category to anticipate consumer buying patterns.
* Maintain strong understanding of the competition, the marketplace and industry. Monitor competitors’ sales activities, product assortments, and pricing by reviewing daily/weekly print and electronic advertisements, as well as store visits.
** Financial Accountability
*** Negotiate costs, discounts, rebates, VPP (Vendor Partnership Program) and freight terms for assigned categories.
* Support Nursery Department by evaluating Key Performance Indicators.
** Sourcing and Procurement
*** Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships, aligning suppliers, products, and services to meet the needs of the business.
* Work in collaboration with inventory management to determine demand forecasts for everyday and promotional opportunities.
* Attend trade shows to identify product opportunities and enhance business relationships.
* Support Senior Regional Category Manager in the identification of new nursery partners in the development and execution of plant orders and grower relationships.
** Leadership and Management
*** Define and implement departmental strategic objectives with both short and long-term plans developed.
* Strategic and tactical ownership, accountability, and execution for the assigned product category Line Review process.
* Demonstrate effective presentation skills of merchandising strategies to ensure buy-in and engagement across the entire organization.
* Serve as…