Category Manager

Role overview

This position is responsible for supporting the creation, development, rollout, and financial success of an assigned center store product category. The role works closely with Category Coordinators to shape promotional activity and ensure a strong vendor and product assortment mix. It also includes SPMS administration and category-related key entry tasks.

Category performance

• Track daily sales, margin, competitor pricing, and competitor moves, then adjust category plans as needed to help the team achieve or surpass performance targets.
• Contribute to category business planning by building the assortment, merchandising approach, pricing structure, and promotional direction.

Planning and strategy

• Support category business plan creation through assortment, merchandising, pricing, and promotional planning.
• Review market data, competitor assortments, and category trends, then share insights with leadership to inform strategy.

Promotions and vendor coordination

• Help manage deal activity for category items while preserving effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Assist with the design, preparation, and launch of promotional programs.
• Evaluate the impact of promotions and refine tactics so the category can meet financial objectives.

Cross-functional development

• Build and maintain partnerships across the store support center to stay aligned with company goals and direction.
• Look for opportunities that improve category profitability and overall business performance.

Additional duties

Other job-related responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Education

A bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, candidates with 4 years of relevant experience may also be considered. Relevant areas of study include business administration, finance, merchandising, supply chain management, or a related discipline.

Preferred education

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, merchandising, supply chain management, or a related field is preferred.

Environmental and working conditions

This is primarily an indoor office-based role. The position involves regular sitting, using hands and fingers to handle tools or controls, speaking, seeing, hearing, and performing repetitive movements with both hands. Standing or walking on carpet, tile, or concrete may occur occasionally. The work environment is mostly a traditional office setting. There is a low risk of twisting the back or neck and of walking on slippery or cluttered surfaces.

Equipment and physical requirements

Common office equipment used in this role includes a personal computer, telephone, printer, copy machine, fax machine, and other standard office supplies. The role may require pulling up to 20 lbs and lifting up to 20 lbs.