Category Manager

Company: Ajilon
Location: Pleasanton
Posted on: January 16, 2022

Job Description:

We are seeking a Category Manager on behalf of a client located in Pleasanton, CA. In this role you will determine what our client sells, why they sell it, how much they sell it for and who they buy it from. You will help the organization become the vendor of choice by their clients.The Category Manager is responsible for driving category performance through analysis of product assortment, cost change analysis, supply chain issues, future forecasting, vendor proposals and long term agreements. The position is focused on category rationalization activities to include new product review, category assortment review, vendor negotiations related to the category.You will manage and provide detailed analysis of assigned category performance including growth objectives. Analysis will focus on the areas of product assortment, pricing, promotions, new product introductions, pricing changes, etc. Maintain regular reports to track performance and identify impact of variables on category performance against established metrics. Identify and report on trends, changes and opportunities. Provide suggestions aimed at increasing category performance.
You will work with Brokers and direct representatives to negotiate marketing revenue, trend data, sales support and design go to market strategy. Manage and maintain relationships with vendors leading product reviews, identification and assessment of opportunities and negotiating promotions for conferences. Additionally, the Category Manager will negotiate with vendors who currently do not have in-place agreements with the organization, review and assess vendor performance reports, identify issues and provide recommendations to Head of Category Management and Supply Planning.
Required Experience:

• Must possess a minimum 3 years experience in retail, food service or with a consumer goods company.
• Prior experience in vendor relations, pricing and management of product assortment required.
• Prior Category Management experience strongly desired.
• You possess the ability to operate successfully in a start-up environment and work effectively across multiple departments.
• You have solid quantitative and analytical skills and the ability to work in a spirited team setting. Must possess a strong knowledge of products within assigned category and division sales requirements.
• You are highly motivated with the ability to prioritize and be decisive and possess a strong business acumen and play well with others.
• You possess strong written, verbal and presentation skills required.
• You are a savage using Google Sheets (or Excel) and Google Slides or (PowerPoint)
• Must be able to provide fact-based recommendations across various levels of management.
• Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent experience required. Culinary training is a plus

Keywords: Ajilon, Pleasanton , Category Manager, Executive , Pleasanton, California