COS Category Specialist - Full Time - Resource Center

We are a cooperative; cooperation is at the heart of everything we do. At our Co-op, we believe cooperation means creating space for everyone. We strive to bring individuals together from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences to achieve shared goals. We practice kindness and foster a workplace where respect, acceptance, equity, honesty, and belonging are more than values, they are lived every day.

Why? Because connection strengthens us. It helps us build the ecosystem we want to work in and be part of.

And…because kindness matters! Kindness nurtures community, and communities thrive when we all work together. If you’re passionate about community and making a difference, we’d love to work with you.

Position Overview:

The Center of Store Category Specialist is responsible for product selection, retail pricing, and managing margins on behalf of the Co-op to help meet or exceed financial goals and support the Co-op’s values in regards to products sold at our food stores. This position is also responsible for aspects of category management, following industry trends, and creating sales promotions. The Specialist will work with the Inventory Control team to maintain an accurate and up-to-date product database. They will respond to customer requests and comments and maintain positive and productive relationships with the Co-op’s vendors. This position will collaborate with Marketing and Operations teams on products, pricing, and promotions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Select products, set pricing, and plan sales promotions for the Co-op’s center of store departments: Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, Bulk Foods, Beverage, Beer, Wine, Bakery, Health & Beauty, Kitchenware
2. Work within processes that are unique to each department, seeking to improve processes when needed to best collaborate with Merchandising, Marketing, Inventory Control, and Operations teams
   1. This includes email and phone communications and in-person meetings and store visits
3. Understand and adhere to expectations regarding product selection, pricing, and promotions, as directed by the Merchandising Manager and the Associate Director of Merchandising
4. Establish and maintain positive relationships with Co-op vendors, employees, and members
5. Respond to customer requests and comments, including those received on written forms or the Co-op’s website and those communicated through Operations teams
6. Participate in department meetings and complete all required trainings for the purpose of maintaining Co-op standards
7. Adhere to all Co-op policies, procedures and employee code of conduct

Required Skills/Experience and Attributes:

1. High School or equivalent experience
2. 5 years or more experience in the retail industry, to include Grocery, Refrigerated/Frozen, Beverage, and/or Wellness
3. Experience with retail pricing and margins and related analysis
4. Knowledge or experience with local vendors and producers
5. Demonstrates strong interpersonal, communication, and team building skills
6. Some supervisory skills and/or supervisory training
7. Strong attention to detail
8. Excellent follow through

Attendance Requirements: 

Typically, Monday through Friday, however must be flexible enough to work early mornings, nights, or weekends when needed.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds. We share a common passion for our member-owned Co-op, communities, and for improving people's lives.

Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. Every point of view helps shape our success, and fostering inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

Salary : $25 - $38