Overview
This role achieves sales, profit and guest satisfaction goals by acting as the category expert. Develops programs to position us to win in the marketplace.
Candidates can reside in the Florence or Columbia, SC markets.
Responsibilities
Ensures that products are organized into categories that reflect consumer buying habits.
Using internal scan movement and IRI or Nielsen market data, develops a plan for each category to achieve retail sales and gross profits, market share goals and specified positioning. Obtains support for this plan from all key players, including MDI and retail operations. Considers how implementation of the plan at retail effects the total yield of the category.
Determines the correct product assortment for our customers in current and new markets. Works closely with our retail planning department to complete planograms and their successful implementation. Closely monitors the results of these resets to minimize out of stocks and markdowns.
Negotiates with vendors for the lowest cost of goods. Understands and analyzes vendor cost and promotional allowance structures and how our net cost of goods compares to our competition.
Sets promotional plans for items and categories that increase sales to the consumer, satisfy vendor requirements and achieve the desired total net profits. Works closely with marketing and advertising to develop ideas for promotion and advertising and ensure their correct implementation.
Stays abreast of changes in the marketplace in assigned categories (retail pricing, variety, etc.) by visiting our stores and the competition on a regular basis. Include regular visits to competitors.
Monitors retail prices and strategy. Recommends any changes necessary.
Monitors results through the use of a category scorecard.
Works closely with members of the MDI buying staff to ensure we are achieving desired combined goals and service levels.
Communicates all plans and promotions clearly to necessary parties.
Qualifications
Possess the qualities associated with Alex Lee values. Bachelor's Degree in business or related area. Retail store experience, preferably to at least the department manager or co-manager level. Candidate should be skilled in negotiation, analysis, planning and organizational skills. Computer proficiency in email, Excel, Word, IRI, or Nielsen marketing systems, and other internal systems is necessary. Due to the need for influencing many areas of the Alex Lee organization, excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, including conflict resolution.
#LI-AB1