Category Manager, Produce

Category Manager

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description

General Function:

Procures and merchandises product for Hy-Vee stores at the best quality/price relationship. Interprets customer, store and distribution demands; provides merchandising opportunities. Manages assigned categories from merchandise procurement through store distribution.

Core Competencies:

• Partnerships
• Growth mindset
• Results oriented
• Customer focused
• Professionalism

Reporting Relations:

Accountable and Reports to: Assistant Vice-President

Positions that Report to you: Purchasing Assistant

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains average annual fill rate as agreed upon with department management.
• Communicates all ad out-of-stocks, as well as out-of-stocks on fast moving items to stores.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for ad offerings and purchasing of ad products to arrive on a just-in-time forecast basis.
• Assists with writing ads and presents offers to ad committee.
• Collaborates with suppliers to procure new merchandise and create marketing plans for new/existing items.
• Responsible for evaluating and implementing inventory reduction strategy as determined by management. Identify new opportunities for private label and develop a merchandising plan for promotion of private label.
• Maintains open communication with suppliers, brokers.
• Identifies and implements backhaul or customer pick-up opportunities.
• Maintains an appropriate number of category reviews to determine best product mix and creates plan-o-gram recommendations for the stores.
• Maintains a ratio of new/discontinued items less than or equal to the number agreed up with department management through SKU rationalization.
• Locates suppliers for items that stores request.
• Reports to work when scheduled and on time.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Procures seasonal items from suppliers for the bi-annual GM shows.
• Performs other job-related duties and special projects as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Worker Characteristics:

• Commitment to the Hy-Vee Mission and a willingness to promote the values of the company
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate to and interact with other people in a friendly, professional manner
• Ability to identify problems, develop and execute solutions
• Ability to interact with basic computer systems, including word processing, spreadsheet and email applications, as well as job-specific programs

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• 4-year degree preferred.
• 3-5 years previous related work experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Visual requirements include: ability to see detail at near range with or without correction.
• Must be physically able to perform sedentary work: occasionally lifting or carrying objects of no more than 10 pounds, and occasionally standing or walking, crouching, reaching, handling, grasping, feeling talking, hearing and repetitive motions.

Working Conditions:

The duties of this position are performed in a general office setting. There is frequent pressure to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects in a day.

Equipment Used to Perform Job:

Standard tools and equipment used to test, troubleshoot and train on forecasting software. Calculator, Fax, copier, telephone, printer and PC with Microsoft Office programs.

Financial Responsibility:

None.

Contacts:

Has daily contact with suppliers/vendors.

Confidentiality:

Has access to confidential information, including Distribution Center product costs and software passwords.