The Category Manager position is comprised of multiple roles with the ultimate responsibility being support of store operations through planning, selecting and purchasing quantities of goods and merchandise that are sold within CNRG locations. They have company wide responsibilities of vendor collaboration and source new and review existing goods to ensure all CNRG Brands remain competitive. The Category Manager manages product categories sourcing and building relations with new suppliers. Identifying new products and programs through attending national and international shows as well as monitoring market changes, competitive pricing and sales trend analysis is part of the Category Manager's responsibility. Additionally, the Category Manager will participate in strategic business initiatives, data management and contribute to the company's overall growth.

Merchandise Management

• Select and merchandise products and lines consistent with company strategy for the maximization of sales and profit.
• Collaborate with vendor partners and negotiate the best possible total costs.
• Establish retail pricing and maintain gross profit levels consistent with company objectives.
• Recommend merchandise for promotions and advertising.
• Responsibility for sales growth, gross margin, turn rate and GMROI.
• Select merchandise in accordance with good customer safety standards, quality consistent with our desired image and from vendors with a high reputation for integrity and reliability.

Planning

• Establish operational and merchandise-based objectives in conjunction with the marketing team and take appropriate steps to see that these are achieved.
• Quarterly review of your merchandise categories and presentation of a summary of your progress plans for the future and objectives for the year.
• Plan, schedule and execute buys to support advertising program.
• Anticipate merchandise trends and communicate direction or recommendation to team.

Control

• Maintain gross profit objectives of the company.
• Maintain inventory turnover of the company.
• Maintain GMROI with company objectives.
• Maintain current, competitive lines.
• Approve new vendors and new products for respective areas of responsibility.
• Review and approve rebuys of regular stocked goods.
• Keep current on market trends, competition, prices, and changes in consumer buying habits.
• Visit Brands and stores on a regular basis and provide feedback.
• Monitor store replenishment, in-house fill rates, lead times and external vendor fill rates.

Communication

• Communicate merchandise news to team and Operations.
• Communicate effectively and cooperatively with vendor community, peers, subordinates, supervisors, other departments and store employees.

Self-Development

• Continually improve job knowledge and skills by reading, studying or attending seminars related to the merchandising and marketing fields.
• Stay abreast of advances in technology related to all aspect of role and
• Attend trade shows.

Perform other duties similar to those above as assigned by the CMO or other qualified corporate or platform representative.

Associate's Degree required with a minimum of 2 years of experience in the Retail industry. At least 1 of which in a multi-facility business. Must demonstrate excellent leadership and problem solving skills. Be able to manage with limited supervision. Must have good oral/written communication skills in order to effectively interact with customers, employees and negotiate with vendors. Must be customer service-oriented and team-oriented. Must have good management and organizational skills. Must understand and interpret data presented in statistical or numerical form and be able to use it effectively. Must be able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Must be detail-oriented and handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment. Must be able to climb up and down ladders, reach, bend, twist, kneel, lift up to 50 lbs., handle large odd shaped items, and stock items in overhead areas. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays.

This job is a salary position (exempt from overtime). Though successful District Supply Chain Coordinators may be considered for other opportunities within the company, the position carries no guarantee of career progression. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Central Network Retail Group, LLC complies with all applicable equal employment laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Qualified individuals with a disability may request reasonable accommodation from the company.