Assistant Category Manager

SUMMARY:

The Assistant Category Manager is responsible for providing support to the assigned category by utilizing both internal (BW) and external (AC Nielsen) data to assist the Category Manager to achieve performance targets and strategy-related activities including product assortment, promotion, pricing and planograms. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Assist the Category Manager in developing overall category objectives, financial goals, market penetration and leadership positioning strategy for assigned categories. 

- Assist in the development of sales and promotional plans including product distributions, advertising layouts, theme events, season opportunities and in-store activity in order to achieve category targets. 

- Assist in maintaining promotional calendar to maximize sales and profits in the assigned categories. 

- Working with the Category Manager, recommend new items and items to be discontinued, utilizing existing analyzing technologies to maximize SKU and assortment mix, space allocation, sales, profits and advertising effectiveness. 

- Implement pricing strategies for categories and make recommendations in setting retail prices for individual items, in accordance with corporate guidelines for pricing. 

- Assist the Category Manager in the development of total category planograms (POGs) based on such factors as long term strategic profitability, customer satisfaction and weekly sales plans, along with input from business partners.   

- Define space allocation based on targeted revenue and profit contributions.  

- Work with Category Administrator to ensure that all POG’s are current and use correct data for size, shape and shelf space consideration. 

- Complete scheduled category reviews in assigned categories.  

- Conduct analyses of retail history, advertising success, product movement and overall category management.  

- Modify category plans and objectives accordingly to meet overall sales and profit targets. 

- Monitor all competitive and industry activities regarding merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing and promotions.   

- Conduct bi-monthly competitive store visits to gain first hand insight in all regions where they have responsibility. 

 QUALIFICATIONS:

- College Diploma or University studies in a Business or related field required 

- 3 - 5 years experience in a Category Management role, demonstrating an understanding of the promotional planning and execution process 

- Advanced knowledge of Excel is required to produce effective, spreadsheets, reports, documents and presentations, as required 

- Proficient in Category Management Tools (MS Office, SAP, ACN, Job Assistant, BDMS Software, etc.) 

- Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations 

- Occasional travel required