Position Summary:

To provide support for the Category Manager to maximize sales growth and profitability within the category. Will include vendor and item setup and maintenance, analyzing sales data and performance and most importantly effectively communicating category initiatives to both internal and external teams and partners. Critical to have a service-oriented mentality in this role.

Responsibilities:

1. Category Item Management – obtain all new vendor and item information required for setup item forecasting, item data maintenance within various software systems (PDI, Focal Point, D365, PowerBI & SmartSheets).

• New Vendor Set Up
• Item setup and changes
• Rebate Set Up
• Monitoring item inventory levels at WDC & McLane
• Tracking McLane purchase orders
• Gap reporting on category items
• Update Vendor database and annual Vendor Planning Agreements

2. Analytics & Reporting – create, update, maintain and distribute category specific sales reports at the direction of the Category Manager

• Analyzing data within the category
• Analyzing promotional impact
• Assist in Category Review Preparation
• Monitor POG performance (both item and set size)

3. Category Liaison both internally and externally

• Coordinating Resets and Promotional activity
• Assist with and remedy item scanning issues and service calls
• Communicate to the Retail Field Team through MyWork messages and the New & Discontinued Bulletin
• Coordinate communication on service-related matters and procedural issues to the vendor community.
• Follow up with the DSD vendor community regarding service issues, delivery procedures and inventory concerns.
• Provide phone and email support to the Store Operations Group – timely and accurate response to questions and concerns.

4. Supply chain and inventory management and collaboration

• Review and monitor Inventory Reports from McLane and WDC and ensure ongoing communication around inventory levels.
• Partner with Marketing Operations Group regarding item forces and distributions to the Field.

5. Other duties as assigned by the Category Manager

Working Relationships:

INTERNAL: Within Marketing: Advertising Team; POS/Price Book Team; Merchandising/Planogram Team Within Store Support Center: IT Department; Legal Department; Strategic Sourcing; Finance Team; Supply Chain/Warehouse Team Retail Operations Team: Retail Vice President’s; Regional Manager’s; District Manager’s, Store Managers EXTERNAL: Direct Vendors, Brokers, Distributors

Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree in business, Marketing or related field

Preferred Education: 

Minimum Experience: Strong computer skills. Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word and an aptitude to quickly learn in-house systems.

Preferred Experience: Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Licenses/Certifications:

Soft Skills/Competencies:

• Must be well organized and detail/process oriented. Must also possess strong communication skills, which include a pleasant and professional phone manner. Should be able to successfully work within a fast-paced environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong Presentation Skills
• Ability to foster team work and build collaborative relationships
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Other Requirements:

Travel: 0-15% travel required

Hours & Conditions: Typically Monday – Friday, 8 hour days in office setting (Temporary schedule – 3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Physical Requirements: Minimal physical effort required; sitting / standing at computer for long periods of time. Ability to maneuver and lift up to 10 lbs.