Associate Category Manager

As a member of the C&S Wholesale Grocers family of companies, SpartanNash is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. A distributor, wholesaler and retailer with a global supply chain network, SpartanNash distributes grocery and household goods, including fresh produce and the Our Family® portfolio of products, to locations in all 50 states.

Our braggingly happy team members — ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists — create braggingly happy customers spanning national accounts, independent and chain grocers, e-commerce retailers, U.S. military commissaries and exchanges, and the Company’s own brick-and-mortar grocery stores, pharmacies and fuel centers.

Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location: 850 76th Street S.W. - Byron Center, Michigan 49315

Position Summary: This role is responsible for the development and implementation of category business plans within assigned categories. Manage assigned assets to achieve category roles and results through category strategies that are executed via product assortment, pricing, promotion, shelf/fixture presentation, buying and inventory management decisions that are needed to achieve net profit goals and total customer satisfaction.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Responsible for sales and profits for assigned categories.

• Develop comprehensive category business plans consistent with the Company's overall goals and strategies for assigned categories; plans to include tactics in the areas of assortment, pricing, promotion, shelf placement and coordination with cross-functional teams.

• Continually monitor and assess performance versus budgeted objectives for category sales and fair share trends using A.C. Nielsen reports, scorecards and profit and loss statements.

• Establish and maintain relationships with vendor partners to facilitate effective category management to increase sales and profits, lower product costs, maximize trade funds and optimize partnership.

• Develop private label categories in keeping with overall company goals of achieving "best in class" ratings through packaging, innovation and strategic positioning.

• Integrate and hold accountable profitability by category, inclusive of market gains, indirect margin, and achieving private label market share.

• May be responsible for department management including staffing, training, performance management and career development of associates, and developing and monitoring department goals.

• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and best category management practices; make recommendations to improve current programs and processes.

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree (required) in Business Administration, Marketing, or Supply chain or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Five years of marketing, category management, product management and/or product development experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong financial acumen, analytical, influencing and negotiations skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of category products and services, and industry trends.

• Experience working across business units to leverage resources and capabilities to accomplish company goals.

• Strong presentation and project management skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Nielsen Category Management tools, experience with purchasing systems is a plus.

• Ability to travel up to 25% depending on assigned categories.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package.

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.