Dierbergs Markets is seeking a talented Category Manager who will be responsible for product assortment, merchandising strategies, vendor/broker partnerships and ensuring profitability and sales growth in assigned categories. This position supports our Grow Every Day purpose and commitment to Better Execution through creating better customer experiences driven by impeccable product selection at competitive prices. They build strong partnerships, stay on top of trends and proactively share innovative ideas to continue to move the business forward with an eye on the future.

How You'll Make an Impact

Driving Sales Growth

• Curate a relevant product assortment for your category rooted in value and quality

• Develop and implement category strategies to achieve financial targets and drive profitable sales growth

• Aggressively maximize opportunities and mitigate risks through promotions, pricing, product placement and effective storytelling

• Be a fierce student of the customer, the category and the competition

• Utilize data analytics to gain actionable insights, guide decision-making and inform category strategies

• Proactively explore opportunities to introduce new and innovative products, partnerships and ideas to drive category success

• Expand private label product assortment and development by utilizing data to identify gaps and new product trends to address market needs.
Executing Operational Standards

• Build and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders including (but not limited to) store operations, vendors, core managers, peers, marketing and host

• Partner with internal and external teams to deliver a seamless shopping experience to the customer; make products easy to find and convenient to purchase

• Collaborate effectively to solve customer pain points and resolve product issues; provide excellent customer service at all times

• Ensure product displays, instore and online, convey Dierbergs unique brand positioning

• Appropriately communicate and partner with store teams to ensure understanding and execution of category plans

• Partner with the Promotions team to ensure maximum product awareness

• Collaborate with key business partners and vendors to successfully execute procurement initiatives

• Foster a work environment that embodies the core values of Dierbergs, champion and develop a diverse and inclusive team environment
Managing Cost & Financial Performance

• Negotiate vendor agreements, terms and requirements to optimize cost, quality, and service

• Own and manage assigned categories, identify and present opportunities for cost savings, and tailor strategies to meet financial goals

• Conduct in-depth analysis of consumer data that includes pricing and promotion effectiveness, market trends, assortment evaluation and competitive analysis

• Continually evaluate retail pricing based using tools and analysis; make recommendations to achieve category goals

• Partner with vendors/brokers to plan and activate promotions across stores and digital channels

• Negotiate compelling offers and competitive savings

• Secure vendor funding to support promotions and drive long term growth (ie discounts, PIP, media investments, etc.)

• Seek out and capture opportunities for special buys and Dierbergs exclusive items to differentiate Dierbergs in the marketplace

• Create visibility into category spend, savings, inventory commitments, and supply constraints

• Partner closely with Finance team to ensure payments are received timely and accurately
About You

• 3 years Category Management experience and minimum 5 years combined experience in retail, merchandising, pricing, logistics, supply chain, procurement or distribution

• BS or BA preferred

• Excellent verbal and written skills; strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Exceptional interpersonal skills; projects a professional, friendly and outgoing image; open to others' ideas and input

• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data and market trends

• Must have exceptional ability to organize and prioritize work and handle multiple tasks; uses time efficiently and is resourceful

• Proven negotiation skills

• Knowledge of merchandising management, retail management, replenishment and item management systems preferred

• Able to adapt to change and manage competing demands in a positive manner

• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel
Why Dierbergs is right for you...

• Health and retirement benefits including medical, dental, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, FSA, and life insurance

• Hybrid work schedule and flexibility

• Weekly pay

• Paid time off provided, including sick days

• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family to assist in many of life's challenges, from short-term counseling, legal questions to financial guidance

• Associate-only savings, free products, bonus points, sweepstakes and more - being a part of our team has its perks with Dierbergs Rewards

• Wellness initiatives and volunteer opportunities to keep you healthy, engaged and involved

• Rewards, recognition and appreciation programs and events to spotlight you AND your exceptional talents

• Opportunity to Grow Every Day by building knowledge, supporting growth and creating connections - Let's GROW!

• Career advancement and growth opportunities throughGROWU, our Learning & Development program for current and future Leaders
Location: Corporate Office, Hybrid
This job description is representative only and is not all inclusive of the responsibilities that the Associate may be required to perform.