Associate Category Manager

• Work collaboratively with each of the Store Category Managers and the Leadership Team. Responsible for executing all project work as requested, and related to the various categories, to include acting as liaison for various DSD suppliers.
• Leverages internal and external category data and customer insights to inform decision-making. Provides weekly and timing reporting as requested.
• Accountable for assigned categories' sales and profitability by monitoring COGs, margin, product mix, packaging, seasonal product opportunities, and item shrink.
• Manage and negotiate customer support, such as marketing dollars, slotting allowances, and costs.
• Provides direction of overall Store product lifecycle management from introduction to discontinuance.
• Monitors performance versus Annual Plan and work with internal teams and vendors to take corrective action to assure annual plan achievement.
• Collaborates with the pricing team to achieve margin and sales goals.
• Partners with marketing, merchandising, supply chain, sales and other relevant areas to drive category performance.
• Collaborates with suppliers and internal teams to drive the proper assortment in each store and product innovation that support consumer trends and result in category growth.
• Collaborates with and leverage Suppliers to strategically market products that drive return on investment.
• Collaborates with and leverage MSC, Suppliers, Strategic Alliances to address cost needs for Gordon Food Service Store.
• Maintain knowledge of current consumer trends and insights as well as product development and innovation in the assigned category.
• Services the store and field teams by providing timely and relevant information so together we can exceed our customer's expectations.
• Provides in store support as needed for new programs, products, store openings and remodels.

If this sounds like you, make sure you also meet these requirements:

• Three (3) or more years of previous product, brand, or category management experience. In lieu of the specified education and experience requirements, a proven capability to perform the essential functions of the job, as demonstrated by an equivalent combination of education, training and/or relevant work experience may be considered.
• Strong customer service skills, growth mindset, good communication skills, and the ability to work on a team.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills to effectively work with all levels of the organization and vendors.
• Good time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, business reporting software, and e-mail software applications.
• Ability to learn category management tools, assortment planning, and reporting systems.
• You must be 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma / Equivalent (required)
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Sales, or Marketing (preferred)