Category Business Manager - General Merchandise & Seasonal

SUMMARY

Northeast Shared Services is looking for a Category Business Manager to join our dynamic Merchandising team, specializing in General Merchandise and Seasonal items. This role will be responsible for developing and managing the procurement and merchandising program for a category so as to achieve budgeted sales, gross profit, inventory turns and service levels. Works directly with coordinators, pricing, marketing and space management in order to maximize support for assigned categories. Meets with vendors and suppliers on a regular basis. Select new items and develop merchandising programs that allow the assigned categories to meet or exceed goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for managing the procurement and merchandising program for categories to include development of and expansion into different categories (annual marketing plan), achievement of budgeted sales, gross profit, inventory turns and desired service levels.
• Responsible for maintaining external contacts with corporate vendors in order to provide the company with procurement and merchandising advantages related to general merchandise categories.
• Responsible for developing and establishing merchandising techniques which will enhance the growth of assigned categories.
• Work closely with Advertising and Merchandising departments regarding the promotion and sale of categories.
• Generate weekly reports summarizing category financial performance and status of annual marketing plan.
• Involves buying and managing ALL aspects of our seasonal programs (ex. Summer/Halloween/Christmas/V-Day/ Easter), robust in/out programs including Winter/ NFL/NHL apparel programs.
• Maintaining sell-through and profitability targets for each program as well as collaborate/coordinate with Domestic and Importer suppliers
• Responsible for attending various trade and industry functions in order to keep current with category management trends and place the company in an advantageous position for future development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Satisfactory performance reviews.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Strong follow through and follow up skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 1 year as an Associate Category Manager; 3 years preferred. 
• Must have successfully managed assigned categories.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• 3 years of Operational Experience preferred.