Category Manager - AFS Corporate Office (Salt Lake City, UT) - Associated Food Stores, Inc

WHO ARE WE?

• An organization that has distributed to and successfully supported grocery retailers in cities across the Intermountain West for more than 80 years
• A company that values its team members, their families, and communities
• A business that partners with multiple local organizations to fundraise, donate to and sponsor charitable activities and events

WHY JOIN THE TEAM?

• Comprehensive benefits offering (health, dental, vision, life, 401(k), vacation and sick leave as well as unique team member perks and discounts)
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Opportunities for advancement

JOB SUMMARY:

The Category Manager is responsible for sales, gross margin, profitability and merchandising activities of the assigned product categories for wholesale and retail. This includes the communication, planning and seasonal planning of item selection, pricing, promotions, and shelf allocation. Category Managers build relationships with vendor partners and negotiate item pricing, strategies, promotional and advertising funding and item assortment. This role works closely with internal Marketing groups and the Space Management team. 

This position will have a focus in Grocery categories and Bilingual Spanish-speaking candidates are preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Category Manager works closely with assistant to input item information
• Utilizes computer software to manage, track and implement category information
• Negotiates promotional and merchandising events
• Manages and utilizes promotional funds to drive sales and profitability at retail
• Develops effective, creative and innovative ad, promotional and seasonal programs
• Analyzes and understands a host of data and information, including consumer research, scanner data, competitive information from syndicated data, performance and relationships of categories and detailed profit and loss statements of categories
• Ensures strategies and tactics of assigned categories are implemented with balanced item mix including new and discontinued items
• Category Managers work on special projects and performs other duties as assigned or requested

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor's degree preferred (business, marketing, finance, accounting or related field desired)
• Five years relevant experience (retail experience preferred)
• Command of MS Office and database with demonstrated knowledge and ability
• Proven analytical and financial skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in all situations
• Strong negotiation and relationship building skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Spanish speaking candidates preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks with a high-attention to detail
• Regular on-site attendance is required
• Use of personal vehicle is required for travel

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR…

• Passionate, driven, resilient, positive, and solutions-oriented team members
• Enthusiastic people who are dependable, possess personal and professional accountability and strive for continuous improvement in their discipline
• Individuals who have integrity and a respect for others as well as a commitment to commonly held goals and standards

Associated Food Stores is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.