Job Overview:
The Category Manager will be responsible for driving the performance of a specific category of products. This includes developing and executing category strategies, analyzing market trends, managing buyer relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Category Strategy Development:
   • Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, profitability, and market share.
   • Conduct market research to identify consumer trends, competitive dynamics, and new opportunities.
   • Define product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
2. Financial Performance:
   • Monitor and analyze category financial performance, including sales, margins, and inventory levels.
   • Monitor category budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
   • Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within the category.
3. Supplier and Vendor Management:
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with Buyers.
   • Ensure a reliable supply chain and manage any issues related to product availability.
4. Cross-functional Collaboration:
   • Work closely with the marketing, sales, supply chain, and finance teams to achieve category goals.
   • Collaborate with the sales team to develop promotional activities and in-store merchandising strategies.
   • Liaise with the supply chain team to ensure product availability and manage inventory levels.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting:
   • Analyze sales data, consumer feedback, and market trends to make informed decisions.
   • Prepare regular reports on category performance and present findings to senior management.
   • Use data-driven insights to continuously improve category performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in category management, preferably in the food or consumer goods industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions. Advanced proficienty of Excel is required.  Experience analyzing syndicated data is required.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Proven track record of successfully managing product categories and driving business growth.
• Proficiency in category management software and tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Financial acumen and budget management.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Customer-focused with a deep understanding of consumer behavior.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and business needs.

Salary: 120,000-130,000
Benefits: 10% bonus, 401K matching, Health benefits

Match Point Recruiting is an executive search firm located in Bentonville, AR.