Category Assistant

As the Assistant Category Manager, you will support the Category Manager in managing their categories by taking responsibility for certain key aspects of the process. These responsibilities may include drafting orders, implementing cost changes as directed, managing inventory, and analyzing data according to instructions. Your work will contribute to the overall goals of the Category Manager.

Joining ACC gives you the opportunity for growth and development throughout the company, an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.

ACC is a subsidiary of The North West Company International (NWCI), a leading retailer of under-served rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out www.alaskacommercial.com for more information.

Your Responsibility:

• Assist the Category Manager in delivering annual and seasonal category strategies as directed
• Ensure item files are accurate and up to date in order to support category and store positioning strategies as set by the Category Manager
• Provide input into weekly, monthly, and quarterly variance reports for the Category manager to use to create reports
• Create and manage assortments for assigned departments and store positioning strategies with input from the Category Manager
• Monitor ongoing sales figures of all items and key activities as projected in order to maintain appropriate inventory levels for the Category Manager’s vendors
• Complete the order process from the creation of the purchase order through to the delivery of goods to the store
• Submit accurate item setup sheets to Data Entry on a timely basis
• Manage and monitor core item assortment by adding and deleting products at the direction of the Category Manager
• Review and action store and depot inventory issues for assigned department group
• Maintain budgeted inventory levels in stores and perform item maintenance as required to ensure the closed-dated items move through the system in a timely manner
• In collaboration with the Category Manager, build advertising and merchandising activities that achieve targeted results.
  
  

Skills and Qualifications:

• Previous retail and/or procurement experience is preferred
• Undergraduate degree in business or a related field preferred but not required
• Extensive MS Office Suite experience, including above-average knowledge of Excel
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Aptitude with successful negotiations
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to problem-solve complex issues
• Strong prioritizing and mathematical skills
• Strong attention to detail and time management
• Strong time management and adherence to both Category and Company goals and deadlines
• Ability to set priorities based on workload
  
  

Location: Anchorage, AK

Reports to: Category Manager

We create a collaborative and constructive culture by:

• Acting with Integrity
• Fostering excellence
• Respecting Others
• Working Collaboratively
• Being Accountable
  
  

The North West Company is committed to inclusion and diversity and encourages applications from all candidates, including but not limited to all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2s , BIPOC, and persons with disabilities.

You may include your resume and cover letter together as a single document. A competitive pay rate and opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization are offered. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.