Category Manager/Buyer

JOB SUMMARY

 

The Category Manager/Buyer will develop and execute category plans for her/his assigned

categories that deliver maximum results for Vitamin World stores. The Category Manager/Buyer is the primary force behind Vitamin World’s manufacturer relationships and is responsible for developing and maintaining highly effective strategic alliances with these suppliers for mutual benefit. She/he also works closely with Vitamin World’s product development, purchasing, marketing and operations groups, to make sure that the right products are stocked appropriately in Vitamin World’s three distribution centers, and available on demand at the right price for our almost 500 store locations.

 

The position reports to the Vice President, Merchandising and has shared P&L responsibility for more than $50 million in Vitamin World and national brand products. The position is responsible for integrating customer, supplier, marketplace dynamics and Vitamin World business needs to provide a holistic perspective and develop profitable business building plans that stimulate growth for Vitamin World.

 

The candidate will collaborate closely with her/his merchandising peers and the Visual Design team to develop the optimal product mix recommendations for each of the Vitamin World store zones. While conducting monthly category reviews, she/he sets the overall direction for assortment optimization, plan-o-grams, new item introductions, marketing allowances, retail prices and promotional item selections.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Lead development and execution of category plans for assigned categories to maximize profitability for stores:

 Own product sourcing and external supplier relationship managementConduct monthly category reviews utilizing both internal and external data sources to determine right product assortmentOptimize warehouse and store level product inventory via accurate and timely forecasting (500+ SKUs)Drive new item speed-to-shelf by partnering with Vitamin World product development team to create, test and expand promising new products and item/label/size modificationsConduct regular retail pricing benchmarking and analysis to set prices that maximize Vitamin World sales and profit margins (monitor daily gross profit fluctuations and trends)Set promotional item weekly priorities and secure supplier participation in Vitamin World coop advertising and other mutually beneficial business building opportunitiesProvide category insights and assortment direction to support development of store planogramsSupport all marketing and operational initiativesInsure flawless execution of on-going business maintenance deliverablesInstitute systems and processes to improve productivityDirect work of Assistant Category Manager assigned to categories

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS5+ years of product management or related experience including 2+ years managerial experienceBachelors degree preferred in Marketing, Business or related field or equivalent professional experienceExpertise in category management processes and implementationProven track record in a matrix based environment and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentStrong leadership, communication and negotiation skillsFinancial acumen

 

OTHER DESIRABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCESWork experience within consumer packaged goods product management, retail and/or wholesale distribution business preferredKnowledge of syndicated data (ACN and/or IRI) and key sales/trade marketing analytics helpful

 

Please submit salary requirements with resume.

NBTY, Inc offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes tuition reimbursement, health and dental plans, employee stock ownership, and 401(k). 

NBTY, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer