Must have deep experience: 

• Managing a P&L including daily/weekly monitoring of sales $, comp growth % and gross margin mix management.
• Optimizing an assortment across varying store sizes to ensure we have the optimal depth and breadth by category, brand and product type (attribute, size, flavor, variety, etc.).
• Managing a large distributor to maximize contracts, supply agreements and/or programs to achieve the lowest possible acquisition costs (cost of goods).
• Managing a large vendor base beyond the primary distributor.
• Develops an in-depth understanding of the key strategic initiatives. Ensures assigned category strategies are aligned with overall company strategy.
• Manages, improves and recommends the product assortment for the stores.
• Performs narrowing (SKU rationalization) of categories and works with suppliers to narrow products supplied to the stores.
• Develops annual category plans which include current situation analysis, vision/strategy and specific category plans.
• Solicits input from Buyers and Store Ops into rationalization of assortment.
• Facilitates planogram development
• Identifies leverage opportunities for contracts, supply agreements and/or programs to achieve the lowest possible acquisition costs (cost of goods) for products selected for the categories on an on-going basis.
• Performs monthly verification of plans and provides explanations for variances in budgeted sales/gross profit and provides projections for upcoming month.
• Develops pricing strategy.
• Develops recommended retail pricing guidelines for the stores to optimize category profitability and establishes suggested retail prices within these guidelines.
• Reviews competitor pricing information sets prices or approves pricing recommendations.
• Works with Marketing Department or advertising/promotions for assigned category.
• Works on in-store signage, co-op agreements and promotion timetables and strategies.
• Develops cost/benefit analyses to determine return on advertising and promotion dollars.
• Works with suppliers to maintain product supply and communicate any out of stocks to stores.
• Reviews and works with distributors and manufacturers to resolve out-of-stock issues.

• Strong analytical skills.
• Effective communication and negotiating experience.
• Understanding of financial methodology to determine costs and to develop annual business plans.
• Experience: 5 years leading a buying/sales team with direct P&L responsibility for sales, margin, markdown, promo funding and marketing support.
• The team has a passion and knowledge of natural foods. Natural foods experience not required but beneficial.

• Strong Excel skills
• Proficient in Outlook: email and calendar management
• Proficient in PowerPoint

• Available to work weekdays and as needed nights and weekends