Position Description:

Category Manager /Category Analyst

As a Category Manager, you’ll establish product assortment plans and identify, source, develop, select, test, refine and implement products which will enhance the product portfolio and help to yield incremental sales and profits. You will also leverage the company’s size, buying power and scope of operation to achieve lowest cost of goods, the best assortment and proprietary/exclusive products.

What Will You Do?

• Manage categories to establish optimal product assortment for stores on a local basis.
• Work with Company management, DSD vendor partners, and other vendors to develop category plans and products which support the company vision, and meet the financial budget, on a quarterly, monthly, weekly basis.
• Identify consumer opportunities through external/internal trends, customer feedback and competitive insight/shops.
• Manage product development process for categories using a defined set of tools and coordinating available resources.
• Perform on-going verification of plans against budgeted sales and gross profit and develop plans to address any shortfalls.
• Develop pricing strategy based upon competitive/marketplace environment and store profitability.
• Develop and communicates information to all levels of organization via various meetings including company weekly staff meetings and monthly planning meetings.
• Works with marketing department on local advertising/promotions and POP
• Frequent visits with partners on product development, quality of products, current and future assortment, costs, commercialization. Conduct partner financial review on a quarterly basis.
• Ensure all appropriate product information is completed and setup on merchandising systems and distributed to the field operations.
• Manage, evaluate and provide feedback/recommendations to Operations/Merchandising on tests of new products and equipment.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Position Requirements:

Are You Ready?

The Category Manager position requires the following:

• Position requires knowledge and understanding normally obtained through a Bachelor’s Degree in Business (or related equivalent experience) with a minimum of two years in merchandising and/or Area Manager Experience.
• Must have good understanding or prior experience in store operations
• Must prove they are excelling in their jobs. This involves achieving sales/operating budget, team player.
• A working knowledge of the retail and customer service environment, preferably the convenience store industry.
• Prior management and/or supervision experience, required.
• Proficient effective oral and written communications skills in English.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge.
• Proficient skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are required. A Knowledge demonstration test will be conducted on Excel and PowerPoint during the interview.
• Proficient skills with Price Book software preferred but not required.
• Up to 10% overnight travel required to conventions and conferences
• Maintaining a valid drivers license during employment is required.

What’s In It For You?

Vintners’ is committed to creating an environment that encourages and rewards excellence, providing a range of benefits that includes:

• Competitive salary and bonus incentives
• Medical and dental benefits
• Vacation
• 401(k) Plan

Company Description

Vintners Distributors Inc. is based in Fremont, Calif., and all of its stores and stations are in California. The company was founded in 1978 and develops real estate and owns and operates gas stations with convenience stores and car washes. Vintners also has a wholesale division that delivers fuel to dealer locations in the market.