Overview:
The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end category strategies across assigned grocery product lines. This role serves as the key business owner for their categories, driving profitable growth through data-driven insights, strong vendor partnerships, and a deep understanding of shopper behavior. The ideal candidate brings proven grocery retail or CPG experience and excels at translating market intelligence into actionable, results-oriented plans.
Responsibilities:
Category Strategy & Planning
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Develop and own multi-year category business plans aligned with overall merchandising strategy and financial objectives
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Define category roles, segmentation, and performance targets in partnership with senior leadership
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Conduct regular category reviews and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders
Assortment & Space Management
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Optimize SKU assortment to drive sales, margin, and shopper satisfaction using Nielsen, IRI, or Circana data
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Manage planogram development and space allocation in collaboration with Space Planning teams
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Lead new item evaluations, line reviews, and seasonal reset planning
Vendor & Supplier Management
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Negotiate pricing, trade terms, promotional programs, and annual vendor agreements
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Serve as primary point of contact for vendor partners; conduct joint business planning (JBP) sessions
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Manage vendor performance scorecards and hold partners accountable to agreed commitments
Pricing & Promotions
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Set and maintain everyday pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin goals
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Build and manage promotional calendars, evaluating ROI and optimizing trade spend effectiveness
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Partner with Marketing to develop compelling shopper-facing promotions and in-store activations
Analytics & Insights
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Analyze POS, loyalty, and syndicated data to identify category trends, gaps, and opportunities
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Monitor competitive landscape, pricing, and assortment shifts; translate findings into actionable strategies
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Track and report category KPIs including sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and market share
Qualifications:
Required
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5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying within grocery retail or CPG
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Demonstrated proficiency with syndicated data platforms (Nielsen / Circana / IRI) and POS analytics tools
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Proven track record of delivering category sales and margin growth in a retail or wholesale environment
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Strong negotiation skills with experience managing supplier relationships and trade funding
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or category management software (e.g., JDA, Blue Yonder, Apollo)
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Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to influence at all levels of the organization
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field
Preferred
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Experience with private label / own-brand development within a grocery category
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Familiarity with loyalty and shopper marketing programs (e.g., 84.51°, Dunnhumby)
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Knowledge of CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment) practices
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Experience in a direct-to-consumer or omnichannel grocery environment
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MBA or equivalent advanced degree
