Category Manager

The Merchandising/Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective strategies with sales and profit, creating a fulfilling customer experience and great supplier relationships.

JOB DUTIES:

• Develops product and pricing strategies and determines product assortment and placement (good, better, best placement in stores), provides input regarding the stocking levels in the warehouse and stores (especially for new product without sales history) and how company should market its products.
• Handles supplier relations and negotiations to include pricing, terms, market assistance, supplier scorecard and product returns.
• Conducts market analysis to ensure the appropriate product availability in the warehouse(s) and can serve the unique needs of each store's market
• Analyzes reports for products and provide written commentary on potential issues and opportunities along with action plans on how to resolve issues or capture opportunities
• Reduces excess inventory such as overstock, obsolete or discontinued items
• Reviews existing supplier product lines; negotiate enhancements where possible; negotiate additional O&A returns where needed, and review new segment additions
• Reviews new supplier product lines by addressing competitive issues, determines additional sales opportunities, and explores and develops new categories
• Works with independent customers and corporate store managers to resolve competitive product, pricing or placement issues
• Builds business cases using metrics, showing costs and top-line/bottom-line results expected and review pricing analysis to ensure we are competitive and are capturing all possible gross margin

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business preferred
• 7 years automotive merchandising experience or similar experience with automotive application products
• Thorough knowledge of automotive parts
• Ability to handle and organize multiple priorities
• Ability to develop effective relationships using strong written and verbal communication with suppliers and deftly handle supplier negotiations
• Proficient in the use of various computer programs such as Microsoft Office and ERP systems
• Ability to travel occasionally