Category Manager - Produce - Sprouts Farmers Market

This position is responsible for the development and implementation of category business plans that align and deliver against department and company strategies and goals using a customer mindset. The Category Manager plans, owns and directs all aspects of assortment planning, product development, merchandising, sourcing, marketing, pricing, and promotions by analyzing data, facts, industry trends, customer trends, supplier inputs and creative thinking. This position is responsible for the achievement of financial goals through everyday business management and execution of a long term strategic vision that includes a regional market perspective.    

• Develop and execute long and short range category plans with key business partners and suppliers on product innovation, improvement and quality; presentation & schematics, packing, pricing, assortment and shrink for the purpose of exceeding goals and ensuring that company resources are effectively utilized with a focus on the customer and growth. Include risk management and contingency plans to ensure business continuity in the event of supply disruptions.
• Actively manage sales and margin plans of assigned categories by analyzing product profitability, pricing, selection, and display; actively anticipates challenges and proactively seeks solutions
• Engage with all daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual performance reports to balance data with instinct in decision making
• Determine retail pricing and promotional strategy across all regions through supplier negotiations to achieve optimal positioning
• Develop and execute category marketing strategies that supports the overarching Sprouts marketing strategies
• Build and maintain strong relationships through strategic partnerships internally and externally with suppliers; provide direction on how best to deliver the actions needed to support the category strategy and influence change
• Effective communication and coaching through clear articulation of the strategy and story telling to influence operational excellence and gain alignment across teams
• Competitive analysis, including auditing competitive product selection, displays, marketing and pricing through on-site and online visits and market research; leverage customer and market insights to ensure that the category strategy is aligned with consumer preferences and evolving market trends.
• Provide the stores with relevant data and instructions to make informed decisions about the department and how to maximize profitability
• Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, conferences for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information to perform functions
• Support department resets, remodels, and new store openings as appropriate
• Build strong internal and external cross functional teams to assure quality products and department standards are being delivered with a focus on freshness
• Ensure that all federal, state, and company regulations and standards for product freshness, safety, refrigeration, and sanitation are met

#LI-CS1

• Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
  • 3-5 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or procurement, preferably in the grocery or retail industry.

   

  Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and software.
  • Excellent negotiation and relationship management abilities.
  • Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities.
  • Complete understanding of P/L statements, general ledgers, and margins
  • In-depth understanding of retail merchandising principles and category management processes.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with merchandising software is a plus.

   

  Personal Attributes:

  • Results-driven with a proactive and strategic mindset.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to preserve confidentiality of information, communicate with all levels of management and work within strict time frames and resolute deadlines

   

  Please note that this position does require some travel, a few times a year for trade shows or other business demands. This is a full-time role that requires 3-5 days a week to be in-person at the Sprouts Support Office in Phoenix, AZ. The nature of the business does require regular in-person internal and external meetings and regularly testing product samples as part of an on-going product review process.

In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:

• Competitive pay
• Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health
• Vacation accrual plan
• Opportunities for career growth
• 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts
• Flexible schedules
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
• Company paid life insurance
• Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!

Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:

• Bonus based on company and/or individual performance
• Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Company paid short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
• Paid holidays

Get Paid Every Day!

Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you’re hired as an eligible employee, you’ll be able to transfer the money you’ve already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free.  We offer DailyPay so you don’t have to wait for payday to access the money you’ve already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you’ve made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday.

 You can learn more by visiting https://www.dailypay.com/partners/sprouts-farmers-market/.

Grow with us!

If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting.  Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts’ management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.

California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.

• Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
  • 3-5 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or procurement, preferably in the grocery or retail industry.

   

  Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and software.
  • Excellent negotiation and relationship management abilities.
  • Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities.
  • Complete understanding of P/L statements, general ledgers, and margins
  • In-depth understanding of retail merchandising principles and category management processes.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with merchandising software is a plus.

   

  Personal Attributes:

  • Results-driven with a proactive and strategic mindset.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to preserve confidentiality of information, communicate with all levels of management and work within strict time frames and resolute deadlines

   

  Please note that this position does require some travel, a few times a year for trade shows or other business demands. This is a full-time role that requires 3-5 days a week to be in-person at the Sprouts Support Office in Phoenix, AZ. The nature of the business does require regular in-person internal and external meetings and regularly testing product samples as part of an on-going product review process.