Deli/Bakery Category Manager

Overview

Lead the strategic growth of Deli and Bakery categories by managing assortment, pricing, promotions, vendor partnerships, merchandising programs, customer engagement, training, and category performance. Drive sales growth, profitability, market share, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence across all MDI retailers, advertising group banners, and international customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual category business plans to achieve sales, gross profit, inventory turn, market share, and growth
• Manage product assortments, item introductions, SKU rationalization, warehouse capacity optimization, and category space productivity to maximize sales and
• Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, contracts, preferred vendor agreements, RFP processes, payback programs, billbacks, customer credits, promotional funding, and vendor performance
• Develop pricing, recommended retail, promotional, and merchandising strategies that improve competitiveness, profitability, and customer
• Create, maintain, and analyze planograms and category merchandising standards to optimize shelf productivity, product placement, and the customer shopping
• Partner with merchandising, advertising, operations, and sales teams to develop and execute promotional events, seasonal programs, category campaigns, and customer engagement
• Manage digital coupon and promotional programs, evaluate results, and implement improvements that enhance customer engagement and sales
• Analyze category performance using POS data, financial reports, consumer insights, market trends, and promotional analytics to identify opportunities and drive continuous
• Develop and maintain operational guides, training materials, merchandising resources, marketing collateral, service standards, SOPs, and category selling
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retailers, advertising group banners, international customers, brokers, and supplier partners to support category growth and
• Develop and deliver training programs for retailers, purchasers, merchandisers, field associates, and sales teams while providing ongoing coaching and field support to ensure program
• Lead vendor business reviews, strategic planning sessions, broker meetings, and supplier collaboration efforts to drive innovation, promotions, service improvements, and category
• Monitor industry trends through trade shows, supplier conferences, professional development activities, and market research, sharing insights and recommendations with customers and company
• Lead the planning and execution of merchandising shows, retailer meetings, customer events, and category showcases to strengthen communication, promote programs, and drive
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to buyers and support cross-functional initiatives, task forces, and continuous improvement efforts while performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in retail, category management, merchandising, procurement, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, leadership, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Experience with category management, merchandising, planograms, POS analysis, digital promotions, and retailer development.

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