Job Title: Category Strategy Manager
Department: Product Strategy Division- Lifestyle
Reports to: Lifestyle Division Manager
POSITION SUMMARY: Category Strategy Manager (CSM) is responsible for planning and developing the assigned Lifestyle category/section merchandising program. Responsible for establishing the merchandise assortment, buying program and in-store presentations to the end of achieving targeted sales, profit and turnover. Direct and controls product selection, promotion and advertising plans. Formulates and prepares the financial forecasts for the sales and profit of all stores in respective categories’ operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (responsibilities include, but are not limited to):
- Develops purchasing plans and programs to implement corporate policies & Objectives.
- Develops additional or alternate sources of supply (product) for important material (merchandise); secure sources for new or improved materials (product); maintain a list of approved Vendors.
- Develops a good business relationship with Vendors, working together to get the best results for the customer in terms of quality and price.
- Conduct quick, efficient, and thorough negotiations confirming costs, deliveries, specifications and all other details and, as needed, resolve any discrepancies.
- Visit Stores*: Check on merchandise assortment and displays; Stock levels; Customer Service; and Consults with respective Dept. Managers for help to resolve issues or offer suggestions for improvement. *CSM should have their own reliable transportation to be able to make trips to stores and other business needs.
- Stays up to date on new product offerings/programs and will conduct own research to determine product demand. This includes travel to the continental USA and possibly to Japan for trade shows, company stores, and market research.
- Stays up to date on new developments relative material and supplies in order to make recommendations to reduce costs and improve methods.
- Maintains purchase records as are needed by the position and other departments (commodity items).
- Approves invoices for payment and verifies receipt of material (merchandise) or services, checking on accuracy of unit process and extensions.
- Responsible for calculating retail, taking into consideration price elasticity, competitive impact, cannibalization, affinity and other factors.
- Prepares and provides purchase analysis and cost data for use in scheduling, planning, budgeting and other functional activities.
- Generates collects data and generates reports to analyze and evaluate product performance.
- Inventory Control: Calculate turns to identify problems and put into place measurable controls.
- Work with advertising and marketing to promote respective products and programs.
- Understands and abide by all corporate policies and procedures.
OTHER DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Position is exempt. Hours CSM must work are flexible based on business needs. Usually M-F, but due to inventory, special events, store visits, trade shows, business trips may require additional hours and different shifts.
- Maintains high ethical standards in workplace.
- Maintains good communication with associates and management.
- Complies with all Health and OSHA requirements.
- Other task as assigned by respective Division Manager.
EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION:
- High school / Secondary school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must have driver’s license and have your own vehicle.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Able to meet and manage deadlines.
- Oral Communication – Speaks clearly in all situations; listens and asks questions; Respond well to questions.
- Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Able to read and interpret written communication.
- Good Numeric Skills– Add, subtract, multiply and divide with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percent.
- Analytical - Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Notices discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information.
- Adaptability – Changes approach or method to fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Quality – Accurate and thorough; Pays attention to details; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Attendance/Punctuality – Consistently at work all the time.
- Interpersonal – Maintains confidentiality; Listens to other without interrupting; A good disposition.
- Professionalism – Approaches other in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats all with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own action; Follows through on commitments.
- Initiative – Volunteers readily; Seeks increased responsibilities; Seeks solutions on own; Offers useful suggestions; Asks for and offers help when needed.
- Problem solving – Identifies and resolves problems within scope; refer other problems to superior.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Air condition while in office, subject to outside conditions of heat, rain, and wind
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
O (Occasionally) w/assist
O (Occasionally) w/assist
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0-2.5+ hrs./day)
F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 – 5.5+ hrs./day).
C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs./day)
OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS:
- Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception)
- Sense of Sound (Hear oral communication and buzzers/alarms)
PPRM (Hawaii) reserves the right to request a review of written employee screening practices (back ground check) before employment in the booth. Their employment will be contingent on the results, due to the amount of negotiable items handled.
R. 112320
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.
