Job description

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, “I can’t live without them.”

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 17,500 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash’s People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location: 850 76th Street S.W. - Byron Center, Michigan 49315

Job Description:
The Category Manager plays a critical role in the planning and implementation of product and service offerings by ensuring consumer preferences are met or exceeded while supporting all customer-centric initiatives that align with SpartanNash go-to-market strategies. Working collaboratively with cross-functional and supplier partners, the Customer Solution Manager is expected to have an in-depth understanding of the “why” behind the “what” that drives merchandising solutions, with a focus on shopper insights that identify actionable shopping experience issues and opportunities. The Customer Solution Manager is responsible for ensuring that product offerings and store merchandising strategies are executed as planned and deliver those positive customer experiences required to achieve category growth and financial targets. This position requires the Customer Solution Manager to be the subject matter expert and primary knowledge resource for those categories he/she is responsible for, providing the knowledge and expertise required to support the development of SpartanNash Markets customer solution strategy.

The Category Manager is a strategic thinker with the ability to innovate in order to anticipate the needs of the customers. In addition, he/she will be tactical and detail-oriented with strong analytical and project management skills to promote sales growth, profitability and increase basket size.
Develops comprehensive annual Category Business Plans and portfolio of customer-centric product offerings for assigned categories that support SpartanNash unique identity, ensure SpartanNash stays relevant in its diverse markets and that drive customers into stores.
Executes SpartanNash merchandising and selling strategies, objectives, and initiatives by developing effective business building merchandising solution plans designed to enhance the customer experience. Works closely with appropriate internal stakeholders and supplier partners when developing these plans.
Responsible for developing merchandising solution plans that that optimize sales in both corporate banners and independent stores.
Contributes to financial planning process for retail and distribution sales
Achieves financial targets (sales, profit, market share, inventory levels, etc.) as developed in the planning process; routinely monitors business results; adjust plans as required.
Through analytics, store visits, and other research elements, determines future product needs and local market adjustments for assigned categories, in conjunction with Decision Support, Marketing, and Merchandising Execution.
Responsible for all aspects of product life cycle management to include understanding market demands, technology trends, and the competitive environment for assigned categories.
Determines product offerings and promotional plans, including private label, for assigned categories to achieve operating results.
Coordinates promotional planning efforts, display requirements, distribution allocations for assigned categories with the Director Merchandise Execution and Corporate Banners.
Works with the Director Merchandise Execution and Corporate Banners to ensure assigned categories are effectively merchandised for optimized customer experience and sales (“total store experience”).
Serves as the primary interface with suppliers in day-to-day interactions, and effectively manages these relationships to support sales and profit goals.
Negotiates cost (i.e. terms, trade allowances, advertising allowances, new item allowances, etc.) with suppliers and develops promotion plans that align with SpartanNash go-to-market strategy and can deliver the highest ROI.
Proactively distills research and other available data/information into insights such as shopper segments and opportunities for local shopping experience enhancements.
Conducts periodic store visits to gain insight into the quality of merchandising solutions, in-store execution, shopper needs for product and any pricing concerns.
Foster’s an environment that encourages innovation and ideas from others as a means to grow the business.
Other duties as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed as assigned for this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and requirements; additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Here’s what you’ll need:
Bachelor's Degree (Required) Business Administration, Marketing or Supply chain or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Seven (7) years marketing, category management, product management and/or product development experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong financial acumen, analytical, influencing and negotiations skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of category products and services, and industry trends. Experience working across business units to leverage resources and capabilities to accomplish company goals.
Strong presentation and project management skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Nielsen Category Management tools, experience with purchasing systems is a plus.
Ability to travel up to 25% depending on assigned categories.

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package .

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran, that celebrates diversity and believes employing a diverse workforce is key to our success. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.

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