Center Store Category Manager
Job Description
Our client in Orange County, California has an immediate opening for a Center Store Category Manager on a direct hire basis.
Company Profile:
Established grocery retailer dedicated to fostering health and wellness through the provision of top-tier products and unparalleled customer service.
Center Store Category Manager Role:
The Center Store Category Manager is the key point of contact for Grocery and Center Store categories and will serve as the primary lead, overseeing day-to-day operations across both physical stores and eCommerce platforms. The role involves close collaboration with Vendors, Marketing, Store Ops, and Department Managers to successfully execute strategic programs and initiatives.
Lead the strategic development and planning for assigned categories.
Ensure alignment of category sales plans with the overall Merchandising strategy.
Promote and verify execution of the category strategy at the store level.
Manage a P&L, monitoring sales, comp growth percentage, and gross margin mix daily/weekly.
Optimize assortment across varying store sizes to achieve optimal depth and breadth by category, brand, and product type.
Maximize contracts, supply agreements, and programs with a large distributor to minimize acquisition costs.
Manage a large vendor base beyond the primary distributor.
Develop an in-depth understanding of key strategic initiatives and ensure category strategies align with the overall company strategy.
Identify and leverage opportunities for contracts, supply agreements, and programs to achieve the lowest possible acquisition costs.
Manage, improve, and recommend the product assortment for stores.
Perform SKU rationalization and work with suppliers to narrow products supplied to stores.
Develop annual category plans, including situation analysis, vision/strategy, and specific category plans.
Facilitate planogram development and solicit input from Buyers and Store Ops.
Develop pricing strategy and recommend retail pricing guidelines.
Review competitor pricing information and set/approve pricing recommendations.
Work with the Marketing Department on advertising/promotions for the assigned category.
Collaborate on in-store signage, co-op agreements, and promotion timetables and strategies.
Develop cost/benefit analyses to determine the return on advertising and promotion dollars.
Work with suppliers to maintain product supply and communicate any out-of-stock to stores.
Review and collaborate with distributors and manufacturers to resolve out-of-stock issues.
Center Store Category Manager Background Profile:
Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.
5+ years of experience leading a buying/sales team with direct P&L responsibility.
Strong analytical skills.
Effective communication and negotiating experience.
Understanding of financial methodology for cost determination and annual business plans.
Passion and knowledge of natural foods (experience not required but beneficial).
Strong Excel skills.
Proficient in PowerPoint.
Availability to work weekdays and as needed nights and weekends.
Solid understanding of retail, margin, and inventory.
Exceptional decision-making capabilities.
Proven ability to develop and maintain financial plans.
Proficient in using Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
Features and Benefits:
Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage
Vision and Dental
Life Insurance
2 weeks’ vacation
401k
Employee Discount
Frontline Source Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Â 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 by Frontline Source Group or its affiliates 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.