Description

Are you a proactive, detail-oriented, team player who wants to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment? DAK’s Market is looking for an experienced Category Manager to lead, develop and execute merchandising strategies across our growing chain of convenience stores. This role requires a creative and analytical mindset, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering results in a dynamic retail environment.

As the Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving the success of our retail operations through effective merchandising strategies. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive sales, optimize product assortment, and enhance the overall customer experience. This role requires a deep understanding of consumer preferences, market trends, and industry best practices. 

Requirements

•  Supervise the daily activities and functions of the Pricebook team. 
• Create, oversee, and effectively communicate merchandising strategies for product categories.
• Oversee the coordination of new item set up, cost, retail and promotional pricing, and PLUs.
• Ensure retail margins are constant with guidelines established by the Corporate Team.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting price book downloads daily to ensure the most accurate information.
• Communicate with team leaders, category management personnel and information technology personnel to resolve operational and technical issues.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with suppliers and negotiate favorable terms to ensure competitive pricing, product availability, and quality.
• Conduct regular market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and competitive threats. 
• Contact all vendors quarterly for updated costs sheets.
• Generate monthly reports for each category and communicate dead inventory issues.
• Administer monthly compliance checks to assure advertised price and scan price are accurate and match.
• Redefine pricing zones to maximize pricing opportunities based on retail parameters defined within category strategies.
• Define and react to download errors and inefficiencies in the price book system and processes. Make recommendations on system and process enhancements.
• Provide support for the initial set up of new stores in areas of responsibility.
• Provide guidance and training to store managers and staff on merchandising best practices, product knowledge, and promotional execution.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of merchandising initiatives and make data-driven decisions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and company policies in all merchandising activities.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or related field preferred. 
• Proven experience in retail merchandising, preferably in the convenience store or grocery industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and a track record of driving business growth.
• Proficiency in merchandising software and tools, such as space planning software, POS systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to merchandising and product labeling.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ADD Systems experience

Willingness to travel:

• Up to 50% (Preferred), depending on store needs

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Company Holidays
• Company-Paid Life Insurance for Full-Time Employees
• On Demand Pay Advances
• Bonus Potential