Category Manager - Produce

Cost-U-Less - Boca Raton, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Boca Raton, FL

Food and Beverage Retailers

About the position

The Category Manager (Produce) is responsible for leading a category team to achieve market share targets and enhance consumer loyalty. This role focuses on sales, inventory management, and gross profit targets within assigned merchandise departments, while also building vendor relationships and programs to ensure long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the department(s) Associate Category Manager and Replenishment Buyer.
• Monitor performance of assigned tasks of reporting employees.
• Train and develop reporting employees to meet department goals.
• Evaluate available vendors and select appropriate ones based on cost, terms, service level, time in transit, and quality.
• Establish retail prices to attain budgeted gross profit.
• Monitor inventory levels in stores and depots to meet budgeted goals.
• Build allocations by store and negotiate vendor terms.
• Negotiate vendor funding to support marketing and in-store merchandising efforts annually.
• Seek new merchandise through publications, trade shows, and vendor meetings.
• Meet sales and budgeted margin goals and manage pricing and markdowns at store level.
• Communicate with store personnel regarding competitive pricing on category items.
• Assist Operations department and store personnel to improve product mix for maximum sales per square foot.
• Develop strategic marketing plans including advertising and promotional activities.
• Monitor and report weekly on promotional costs and benefits.
• Maintain a yearly merchandise marketing calendar for assigned categories.
• Manage promotional markdowns within budget and perform category assessments annually.
• Provide schematics for store layouts and analyze consumer data for strategy formulation.
• Assist in setting initial sales, gross margin, and inventory forecasts for the operating budget.
• Report on P&L results monthly and take corrective action as needed.
• Ensure employees receive necessary training on system and reporting tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or equivalent from a 4-year college.
• Three years of related experience or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive MS Office Suite experience, including above-average knowledge of Excel.
• Strong analytical skills and organizational skills.
• Strong math skills and aptitude for successful negotiations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• 5 years of retail experience in a supervisory role, retail management, or previous purchasing experience preferred.
• Experience with Profit and Loss statement review, budgeting, and operating statement review preferred.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to problem-solve complex issues.
• Impeccable attention to detail and strong time management skills.
• Ability to negotiate with vendors to meet category targets and objectives.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Ability to thrive under high-stress conditions.
• Financial analysis capabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for growth and development within the company.