Senior Category Manager

Reporting to the Senior Director, Merchandise Manager , this Senior operational role is responsible for managing one of two merchandising categories:  Consumables or Hardlines..  As a member of the Merchandising team, this role has accountability for the applicable Merchandising Category for Pet Supermarket and works in coordination with other department leaders to drive product innovation and develop Company strategy through a deep expertise in quality, positioning, pricing, selection and product development. This role is responsible for building a high caliber team and metrics-driven merchandising practice as a position of strategic advantage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop annual merchandising plans
• Develop category management practices that meet volume goals and margin requirements, while continuing to provide a unique and differentiated position in the marketplace
• Develop a Category Management team with well-defined category management practices, processes and tools, including category reviews managing quality, mix, margin and pricing and assortment optimization
• Oversee assortment strategy for all product including an annual merchandise roadmap for all products
• Oversee project timelines, deliverables and approval processes while monitoring product releases, pricing and development calendar milestones
• Identify product needs based on analytics, customer feedback and usage, competitive analysis, and best practices
• Maintain updated knowledge of key competitor product, distribution and pricing strategies in order to source the freshest, most unique designs in each category and maximize sales opportunity
• Analyze real-time sales performance to identify areas of risk and opportunity, and develop plans to address.
• Develop the merchandising team by finding and cultivating talent, providing process direction, coaching and supporting skill development and professional growth
• Partner with Marketing to drive customer acquisition and retention
• Ensure all functional areas within company, including operations and customer service, stay educated about the consumer and products
• Partner with Operations to tailor plans to successfully execute category business plans
• Cultivate and strengthen brand, supplier and customer relationships to optimize results
• Travel to customer and brand locations, overseas suppliers, trade shows, and other events

Experience, Education, Certifications (List minimum required to enter the role.)

• 6-8 years in senior merchandising role
• Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field, an MBA is an asset
• Strong background in proven category management processes
• Deep experience in category line reviews

Team oriented and demonstrated excellence in cross functional, direct and indirect leadership and management

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, proactive and creative, able to seek out innovative solutions to business problems
• Knowledgeable and successful in multi-channel sales via both wholesale and direct-to-customer
• Creative and resourceful, with a strong customer orientation and highly motivated to positively impact the customer and Company
• Strong business acumen, combined with the ability to translate business strategy into practical application
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Tableau experience a plus

Pet Supermarket is an equal opportunity employer.

Pet Supermarket