Category Director

Position Summary:

This person owns Category Management, Merchandising and Pricing for their functions

and is responsible for strategically leading and directing assigned department/categories in order to maximize sales growth & profitability. Drive performance of assigned department/categories through the development of category plans to increase sales, assortment to meet customer needs, appropriate floor plan/planogram, and balanced approach to pricing and effective product flow. Key decision influencer. Collaborate and work cross functionally with various functions in order to effectively drive and execute business initiatives. Direct field sales team and work closely with Operations to implement programs to optimize results. Develop and nurture strategic vendor alliances required to identify synergies, promote mutual growth, maximize resources, ensure consumer focus and capitalize on market opportunities. Exemplify inspirational leadership and executive maturity that demonstrates and instills a positive, creative and productive work environment that supports individual growth.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop long-term category/department business plan strategies, road-maps, merchandising and action plans to assist Category Managers and Field Team in the execution of the category management and to achieve profitable growth in the portfolio.
• Create goals that achieve financial objectives and support the strategic visions of the department(s) and organization.
• Oversee department(s) daily and weekly functions to ensure functions are completed accurately and on time.
• Work with Store Operations teams to align labor and shrink models to ensure proper Divisional execution.
• Direct the creation and execution of procurement, replenishment and inventory management strategies across all Divisions (Fresh Only).
• Conduct regular visits with stores, suppliers, and distribution partners; direct field merchandising to best understand and respond to needs/opportunities for assigned categories/department.
• Cross-functionally support and represent Merchandising as needed by the business.
• Institute methods and processes to constantly improve customer perceptions of the category, manage strategies to consumer insights for quality and image.
• Partner and provide strategic guidance to the private brand development strategy.
• Respond to food safety issues as they arise within the department and implement preventative actions.
• Continuously evaluate category financial and operational performance against goals and assert corrective strategic action as required.
• Manage compliance (memorandums and regulatory compliance).
• Ensure service performance metrics are negotiated and hold vendors accountable to agreements – sales, service levels, funding, marketing, and compliance for vendors. Assess supplier capabilities and suitability.
• Work cross functionally with logistics and suppliers to identify best supply chain management principles.
• Manage, evaluate, mentor, train and develop team to make decisions within their scope of responsibility.
• Provide inspirational leadership to guide merchandising teams toward operational excellence.
• Be aware of in-stock position at the shelf and take appropriate action with supply chain if below standard (Center Store teams only)

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned on an as needed basis based on business needs.

Qualifications and Experience:

Basic:

• 8-10 years of Category Management experience
• Ability to interact with all levels of management in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with a history of forging strong relationships with multiple stakeholders and ability to work collaboratively to build positive and effective partnerships.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proactive, with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Deep commitment to building a culture of workplace excellence and experience leading through organizational change.
• Ability to meet job and schedule requirements

Preferred:

Bachelor’s Degree