Category Manager at Alister Greene Consulting

Targets of the Position

• Develop the categories so that all SKUs have strong volume and excellent quality.
• Do everything possible to become an expert in the categories with excellent knowledge of the local as well as international markets.
• Develop as many private labels as possible.
• Ensure the lowest cost and best terms and conditions for the company.
• Work with all departments in collaboration on each subject in orderto get the best results for the company.

Job Description

• Negotiate all purchasing conditions like purchasing prices, payment days, and other relevant terms and conditions like minimum order.
• Buy products in exceptional cases if the company has a shortage.
• Suggests items to be added to product categories.
• Suggests items to drop from product categories.
• Decide on additional manufacturers for the production of private labels.
• Perform regular quality tests, laboratory tests, and tastings inside the company for the items in the product category, especially before selecting a new item for the assortment.
• Act in accordance with the General Principles of Purchasing.
• Clarify severe quality issues and suggest necessary
• Follow up on existing contracts with suppliers, and prior to the end of the duration, decide on new contracts.
• Inform the regions about important legal information or modifications, new purchasing conditions, and packaging modifications.
• Plan and execute margin mix actions that ensure improvement of profit margin.
• Maintain cordial business relationships with suppliers (in-store activation of a minimum of 4 monthly); ensure supplier fill rate is above 70% at all times.
• Analyze, report, and conduct a quarterly supplier performance review in order to build and manage a sales-driven and profitable SKU range.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Management related courses.
• Minimum of 9 years experience within the grocery industry, grocery supply chain or FMCG
• 3 years of experience working directly with category management functions.
• Experience in leading successful teams.
• Solid knowledge of category management, marketing and sales principles
• Proficiency in supplier management software
• An excellent grasp of spatial, design, and promotional planning.
• Up to date with the latest category management principles.
• Proficient at evaluating current business retail practices.
• Ability to write well and generate reports on market activity.
• Possess great negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think from a consumer perspective and understand buying behavior.
• Expert knowledge of specific categories, supply base & industry trends as well as commercial expertise for a broad range of category groups
• Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain process and requirements. Strategic sourcing/supplier negotiation.
• Analytical, creative, and goal-driven thinking.
• Excellent communication and people skills.