Category Manager jobs in Lexington, KY

Position Summary:

As the Center Store Category Manager at Team Modern, you will lead the optimization of product assortments and manufacturer programs in center store categories such as Candy, Snack, Grocery, Beverage, General Merchandise, HBC, and Auto. Drawing on your dual experience in distribution and retail, you will communicate effectively across Team Modern divisions, reporting directly to the Director of Sales. Bring your proven expertise to strategically position our offerings for market success and join us in shaping the future of center store categories.

Essential Functions
Vendor Relationships:

• Conduct vendor meetings and performance reviews.
• Negotiate and track spiffs, sales contests, and promotions for increased sales.
• Manage vendor marketing partnerships.

Vendor Accounts Receivables Management:

• Handle invoicing processes and payment application.
• Ensure processing of promotions, billbacks, etc. for events.

Planogram Management:

• Collaborate on planogram design and execution with vendors, WAM, and merchandising team.
• Update planograms with new items and assortment changes.

WAM Partnership Oversight:

• Lead retail and distributor programs within the WAM partnership.
• Ensure compliance with program requirements and communicate updates.
• Actively participate in WAM First Edition and Steering Committee.
• Manage promotions and 1st edition items, communicate with the sales team.

New Item Management:

• Collect information for new vendors, negotiate terms, pricing, and lead times.
• Respond to item/brand requests from the sales team.
• Work with buyers to source new items and stay informed about industry trends.

Item Management:

• Oversee the overall item assortment of 5000 items.
• Utilize trends, data, and customer feedback to adjust item assortment.
• Manage supply constraints, analyze data for trends, and collaborate with purchasing and operations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Liaison/expert for chain customers with prospective customers, manager meetings.
• Assist other Team Modern divisions related to Center Store items, such as Vending and Modern Signs & Graphics.
• Lead the planning and coordination of monthly sales meetings.
• Any additional task assigned by manager; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
• Adhere to all company safety policies and guidelines.
• Adhere to and promotes Team Modern’s values of Optimistic Energy, Fairness, Teamwork, Customer Focus and Gratitude.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to excel at the essential functions assigned. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

Required Experience / Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field (preferred).
• Proven experience in category management or a related role (preferred).
• Strong communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Knowledge of market trends and consumer behavior.
• Professional appearance and excellent communication skills.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Additional Information

Schedule: Monday – Friday; Typically, 8:00a-5:00p. Some overnight conference / work-related travel will be required (estimated 7-8 annually). Occasional ride alongs with sales and merchandising teams required. Physical Demands: The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Working Conditions: Work takes place in a well-lit, comfortable office space.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
Team Modern does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, military and veteran status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristic; and it will comply with all applicable state discrimination laws. No person will be denied employment solely because of a disability, provided that the person can perform the essential functions of the position for which the person has applied, either with or without reasonable accommodations.