Category Manager

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

Your contribution

As a member of the Procurement team, you will be responsible for the direct support of a product Division. The category manager will provide leadership for the category and support to meet metrics such as: unit growth, sales growth, inventory turns, and in-stock rates. Duties will also include writing and adjusting orders, maintaining inventory objectives (service level and warehouse turns), as well as performing other procurement related functions.

What you’ll do

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Successfully navigates the organization and collaborates with other departments within the organization
• Provides co-op members with customer focused insights and guidance regarding the product and category.
• Creates and develops a short and long term plan and strategy for development of the category.
• Able to give direction and guidance to analyst pool as needed.
• Leads category management projects to optimize ranges and related merchandising.
• Manages a large portfolio of products and develops appropriate strategies for each.
• Develops strong working relationships with buying, marketing and merchandising teams
• Actively works to drive sales and maximize profits for Wakefern Members

What we’re looking for

• Four year College degree or currently enrolled with a minimum of 60 or more college credits completed towards a Business Degree.
• Product knowledge and Procurement Experience
• Aptitude for detail and figure-oriented work, as well as strong computer skills.
• Prior inventory and/or warehouse distribution experience strongly desired.
• Minimum of one to two years supermarket or other related retail experience required.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and customer service skills as demonstrated by previous work experience.
• The ability to analyze and accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data is essential.
• A thorough understanding of retail insights is essential.
• Strong people management skills and the ability to manage and persuade at all levels of the company is essential.
• Previous experience and knowledge of a retail environment.
• A leader in category ranging, pricing and promotions across customer channels.
• Out front Ad Planning and Forecasting
• Strong Negotiation Skills

How you’ll succeed

• Ability to create a compelling vision, develop a strategy and empower others to achieve it.
• Ability to inspire, persuade and align others.
• Ability to create the vision and drive the momentum for change.
• Ability to build organizational and Associate capability to achieve business goals.
• Ability to drive a culture of ownership throughout the organization.
• Ability to role model inclusive leadership to leverage diversity.

How you’ll work

• Hybrid work model.
• Ability to sit/stand in front of a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to participate in retail store visits.
• Ability to travel as required.

Company Perks

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement