United Natural Foods, Inc.
Sr. Category Manager- Meat & Seafood- Hybrid
United Natural Foods, Inc., Providence, Rhode Island, us, 02912
Overview
Please note: We are open to reviewing candidates who are willing to relocate to Stillwater, MN. To be considered for this role, you must have 5+ years in a CATEGORY MANAGEMENT role and experience in the MEAT/SEAFOOD category. This role is hybrid, 3 days in the Stillwater, MN office and 2 days remote. Purpose
The Senior Category Manager (Sr. CM) is a strategic leader responsible for driving growth, profitability, and innovation within assigned categories. This role develops and executes Category Business Plans (CBP), leveraging data analytics, consumer insights, and market trends to achieve and exceed sales, margin, and market share targets. The Sr. CM collaborates with cross-functional teams, oversees vendor relationships, and mentors Category Managers and other team members to ensure alignment with business goals. This role requires strategic thinking, robust analytical abilities, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. The Sr. CM drives best-in-class category management practices and fosters innovation to support business growth and competitive advantage. Job Responsibilities
Category Business Planning & Execution
Develop and execute annual CBPs aligned with broader business strategies; establish and monitor quarterly and annual sales and margin targets for assigned categories or subcategories. Utilize advanced data analytics tools, including Nielsen data, to assess market trends, identify growth opportunities, and refine category strategies. Design innovative programs and products to differentiate the category in the market.
Sales & Profit Optimization
Achieve or exceed sales and profitability targets through pricing, promotion, and assortment strategies; evaluate impact and adjust tactics for continuous improvement. Regularly review category scorecards to track performance and align with profit and sales goals.
Pricing Strategy
Develop and manage category-specific pricing strategies; collaborate with the pricing team to implement guidelines and goals. Review pricing with senior leadership and adjust to market and business strategy. Oversee pricing for national vendor items, maintaining a sensitive items list to optimize pricing integrity across markets.
Promotional Strategy
Lead the design and execution of promotional calendars and ad space allocations. Negotiate terms for national deals and collaborate with senior leadership to maximize promotional opportunities across banners and departments. Track and analyze promotional effectiveness, providing insights for enhanced performance.
Category Assortment & Shelf Management
Optimize category assortment, decide on new product introductions, discontinue items, and plan markdowns. Develop plan-o-grams (POG) to ensure impactful shelf presentation. Adapt assortment and shelf layout to align with store clustering, regional demographics, and neighborhood market strategies.
Vendor Relations & Sourcing
Cultivate strategic relationships with key suppliers; participate in national vendor negotiations to secure terms. Establish and manage vendor funding strategies, classify vendors, and manage contracts with legal. Partner with procurement to ensure sourcing plans support category strategies and objectives.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Team Leadership
Provide guidance to Category Managers, Category Merch Specialists, and Analysts; coach and develop team members to align with objectives. Coordinate category management activities and provide project leadership, resolving issues and ensuring effective execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work with merchandising, store operations, and other teams to execute category plans. Participate in joint business planning with strategic partners to ensure alignment with corporate initiatives.
Additional Responsibilities
Market Intelligence & Innovation
Stay informed of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and opportunities; introduce innovative approaches within assigned categories. Conduct store visits to assess merchandising effectiveness, gather insights, and identify improvements.
Reporting & Analysis
Prepare and present regular reports on category performance, competitive landscape, and strategic initiatives to senior management; contribute insights for informed decision-making. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Certifications/Experience (Required & Preferred) Bachelor’s degree preferred 5+ years of Category Management experience with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g., Specter Data, Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications) Previous experience in store operations or merchandising preferred In-depth understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies (P&L, financial management, etc.) Other Skills/Abilities
Analytical: Strong knowledge of supermarket retail and consumer behavior; ability to analyze cause-effect relationships between operational levers and performance using financial, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and/or consumer research data; strong planning and organizational skills. Management: Experience leading, motivating, and monitoring performance; strong vendor management and collaboration with banners. Interpersonal: Ability to work across the company; influence and lead partnerships with banners; thrive in a matrix environment. Innovation: Champions new ideas and creates an environment that supports innovation. Strategic: Develop and deliver category plans aligned with corporate and departmental strategies to drive sales and profit. P&L Responsibilities: Understanding of financial reports and P&L responsibility. Good judgment; ability to work with some supervision and independently when needed. Physical Environment & Demands
Some travel may be required Most work is in a temperature-controlled office environment Prolonged sitting at a desk or computer; use of hands and fingers; ability to communicate verbally Occasional use of calculators, keyboards, and other office equipment Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required The above statements describe the general nature of the work. All employees must comply with company policy and applicable laws. Responsibilities may vary by department and location. Hybrid Role
This position follows a hybrid schedule with in-office days determined by the manager. Hybrids may work more frequently from the office if desired. About Cub
Cub is Minnesota’s local grocery store, offering produce, meat and seafood, deli and bakery items, pet food, gift cards, flowers, a full pharmacy, and nearby liquor stores. Cub has supported the community for over 50 years. Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO or generous PTO plan, mentorship and development opportunities, and other role-specific benefits.
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Please note: We are open to reviewing candidates who are willing to relocate to Stillwater, MN. To be considered for this role, you must have 5+ years in a CATEGORY MANAGEMENT role and experience in the MEAT/SEAFOOD category. This role is hybrid, 3 days in the Stillwater, MN office and 2 days remote. Purpose
The Senior Category Manager (Sr. CM) is a strategic leader responsible for driving growth, profitability, and innovation within assigned categories. This role develops and executes Category Business Plans (CBP), leveraging data analytics, consumer insights, and market trends to achieve and exceed sales, margin, and market share targets. The Sr. CM collaborates with cross-functional teams, oversees vendor relationships, and mentors Category Managers and other team members to ensure alignment with business goals. This role requires strategic thinking, robust analytical abilities, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. The Sr. CM drives best-in-class category management practices and fosters innovation to support business growth and competitive advantage. Job Responsibilities
Category Business Planning & Execution
Develop and execute annual CBPs aligned with broader business strategies; establish and monitor quarterly and annual sales and margin targets for assigned categories or subcategories. Utilize advanced data analytics tools, including Nielsen data, to assess market trends, identify growth opportunities, and refine category strategies. Design innovative programs and products to differentiate the category in the market.
Sales & Profit Optimization
Achieve or exceed sales and profitability targets through pricing, promotion, and assortment strategies; evaluate impact and adjust tactics for continuous improvement. Regularly review category scorecards to track performance and align with profit and sales goals.
Pricing Strategy
Develop and manage category-specific pricing strategies; collaborate with the pricing team to implement guidelines and goals. Review pricing with senior leadership and adjust to market and business strategy. Oversee pricing for national vendor items, maintaining a sensitive items list to optimize pricing integrity across markets.
Promotional Strategy
Lead the design and execution of promotional calendars and ad space allocations. Negotiate terms for national deals and collaborate with senior leadership to maximize promotional opportunities across banners and departments. Track and analyze promotional effectiveness, providing insights for enhanced performance.
Category Assortment & Shelf Management
Optimize category assortment, decide on new product introductions, discontinue items, and plan markdowns. Develop plan-o-grams (POG) to ensure impactful shelf presentation. Adapt assortment and shelf layout to align with store clustering, regional demographics, and neighborhood market strategies.
Vendor Relations & Sourcing
Cultivate strategic relationships with key suppliers; participate in national vendor negotiations to secure terms. Establish and manage vendor funding strategies, classify vendors, and manage contracts with legal. Partner with procurement to ensure sourcing plans support category strategies and objectives.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Team Leadership
Provide guidance to Category Managers, Category Merch Specialists, and Analysts; coach and develop team members to align with objectives. Coordinate category management activities and provide project leadership, resolving issues and ensuring effective execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work with merchandising, store operations, and other teams to execute category plans. Participate in joint business planning with strategic partners to ensure alignment with corporate initiatives.
Additional Responsibilities
Market Intelligence & Innovation
Stay informed of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and opportunities; introduce innovative approaches within assigned categories. Conduct store visits to assess merchandising effectiveness, gather insights, and identify improvements.
Reporting & Analysis
Prepare and present regular reports on category performance, competitive landscape, and strategic initiatives to senior management; contribute insights for informed decision-making. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Certifications/Experience (Required & Preferred) Bachelor’s degree preferred 5+ years of Category Management experience with proven performance using Category Management tools (e.g., Specter Data, Syndicated Data Sources and Category Management applications) Previous experience in store operations or merchandising preferred In-depth understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies (P&L, financial management, etc.) Other Skills/Abilities
Analytical: Strong knowledge of supermarket retail and consumer behavior; ability to analyze cause-effect relationships between operational levers and performance using financial, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and/or consumer research data; strong planning and organizational skills. Management: Experience leading, motivating, and monitoring performance; strong vendor management and collaboration with banners. Interpersonal: Ability to work across the company; influence and lead partnerships with banners; thrive in a matrix environment. Innovation: Champions new ideas and creates an environment that supports innovation. Strategic: Develop and deliver category plans aligned with corporate and departmental strategies to drive sales and profit. P&L Responsibilities: Understanding of financial reports and P&L responsibility. Good judgment; ability to work with some supervision and independently when needed. Physical Environment & Demands
Some travel may be required Most work is in a temperature-controlled office environment Prolonged sitting at a desk or computer; use of hands and fingers; ability to communicate verbally Occasional use of calculators, keyboards, and other office equipment Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required The above statements describe the general nature of the work. All employees must comply with company policy and applicable laws. Responsibilities may vary by department and location. Hybrid Role
This position follows a hybrid schedule with in-office days determined by the manager. Hybrids may work more frequently from the office if desired. About Cub
Cub is Minnesota’s local grocery store, offering produce, meat and seafood, deli and bakery items, pet food, gift cards, flowers, a full pharmacy, and nearby liquor stores. Cub has supported the community for over 50 years. Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO or generous PTO plan, mentorship and development opportunities, and other role-specific benefits.
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