Bakery Category Manager
Job Description
Our client in Central Michigan has an immediate opening for a Bakery Category Manager on a direct-hire basis.
Company Profile:
Established Grocery Retailer
Team Atmosphere and environment
Passion for serving customers
Strong core values
Bakery Category Manager Role:
We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager to oversee the bakery category and drive sales growth, profitability, and market share. This role requires a combination of analytical prowess, vendor management, and strong leadership skills to ensure optimal category performance.
Lead the management of the bakery category to enhance sales performance and profitability.
Collaborate in developing category strategies by identifying supplier sources, optimizing SKU assortments, conducting market and internal product research, and managing product selection updates.
Regularly assess competitor pricing within bakery category to inform pricing strategies and maximize revenue.
Create and implement annual, seasonal, and weekly promotional plans, including product selection, margin forecasts, store merchandising strategies, and ad materials.
Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers through regular communication and performance evaluations.
Conduct store visits and competitive analyses to stay informed on industry trends and challenges.
Address and analyze guest feedback on a weekly basis to inform decision-making.
Ensure effective merchandising practices for new, seasonal, and discontinued items.
Provide guidance and support to the Category Analyst, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Contribute to the organizations success by sharing insights, suggestions, and innovative ideas.
Stay updated on industry practices by engaging in educational opportunities and networking.
Anticipate challenges, implement preventive measures, and adapt strategies to enhance operations and improve customer experiences.
Consistently uphold company policies and procedures.
Share enthusiasm for our offerings by actively engaging with and promoting product knowledge.
Bakery Category Manager Background Profile:
Bachelors degree in business or a related field is required.
Previous experience in category management is preferred; experience in store operations is a plus.
Strong understanding of category dynamics, including current food trends.
Proven management and leadership abilities, alongside proficient merchandising knowledge.
Excellent mathematical, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong planning and organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Competent in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and email; ability to learn various proprietary software applications.
Features and Benefits:
Medical and Prescription drug coverage
Vision and Dental
PTO
Incentive plan
401k with company matching
Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. The client cannot sponsor any visas.
Disclaimer: Sensitive and personal data will not be requested until a job offer is made and accepted. If you ever doubt the validity of our job postings, we encourage you to call one of our branch locations to verify the status on any job.
Job Requirements
Meet Your Recruiter
Mike Cook
Mike Cook or as he is known in the industry "Grocery Store Mike", is a specialized grocery retail recruiter for Frontline Source Group. With more than 35+ years in the grocery retail industry, Mike started as a part-time courtesy clerk. He worked his way up to serve in-store leadership positions with both traditional and specialty food formats. His expertise lies in hiring, training, and developing company leaders for small supermarkets to large grocery store operations with hundreds of locations. This experience is what differentiates his ability to recruit top Grocery talent from other recruiters in the market place.
Throughout his career, Mike has placed an emphasis on professional development and continuing education. He was in the charter class of Brookshire University, graduating as salutatorian. He also has earned certificates of proficiency in management specialized leadership and retail management from Tyler Junior College. The later certification was in collaboration with the Western Association of Food Chains. And, he has received numerous awards and accolades for customer service and leadership.
Mike has a passion for community service, having served as a board member for the Bear Creek Specialty Utility District (formerly Lavon Water Supply Corporation) from 2007-2013; Community Independent School District board trustee from 2013-2017; and currently serves as Lavon City Councilman, Place 2 since 2017.