SR. Category Manager

Company Description

The Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association, Inc. (GHRA) is one of the leading independent convenience store cooperatives in the nation. GHRA provides many benefits and value to its members through its marketing and member services programs. The company franchises its quick serve restaurant, Big Madre Taco Y Tortas, throughout the South, Texas market. GHRA operates the GHRA Warehouse and distribution center supplying goods and services to the convenience store industry.

Job Description

Senior Category Manager

General Summary:

Reports to Director of Sales and Marketing

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Category Manager to join our organization. As a Senior Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies to maximize profitability, optimize assortment, and enhance the overall customer experience. This role requires strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Primary Responsibility:

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with the overall business objectives, considering market trends, customer insights, and competitive landscape.
• Assortment Planning: Analyze market data, consumer trends, and sales performance to determine optimal product assortment for each category. Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to ensure a well-balanced assortment that meets customer needs and drives sales growth.
• Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate favorable terms and conditions, including pricing, promotional support, and exclusivity agreements. Continuously evaluate vendor performance and make recommendations for improvement or alternative suppliers as necessary.
• Pricing and Promotions: Develop pricing strategies to maximize category profitability while remaining competitive in the market. Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to plan and execute effective promotional activities that drive category sales.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels, analyze sell-through rates, and make data-driven recommendations to optimize inventory levels, reduce stock-outs, and minimize excess inventory.
• Market Analysis: Conduct regular market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape. Leverage insights to make data-driven decisions and proactively identify opportunities for growth.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various teams, including marketing, sales, operations, warehouse and finance, to align category strategies with overall business goals. Provide guidance and support to cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
• Performance Monitoring: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track category performance and provide regular reports to management. Identify areas of improvement and develop action plans to address any performance gaps.
• Team Leadership: Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to a team of category managers and analysts, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Experience and Skills:

• Proven experience as a Category Manager or in a similar role, with a track record of successfully developing and implementing category strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in using market research tools and data analysis techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of category management principles, retail industry trends, and consumer behavior.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to mentor and develop a team.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on driving business growth and achieving targets.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• May be standing or sitting for extend period of times
• Occasional light travel
• Extended period of time working in front of computer monitor

Additional Information:

Number of Openings: 1

Starting Date: Immediate

The Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association (GHRA)