Associate Product Brand Manager

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, “I can’t live without them.”

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 20,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash’s People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

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

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This role is responsible for the development and implementation of OwnBrands plans within assigned categories. The OwnBrands Associate Product Brand Manager is a strategic thinker with the ability to innovate and to anticipate the needs of the customers. In addition, he/she will be tactical and detail-oriented with strong analytical and project management skills to promote sales growth, profitability, and OwnBrands Penetration.  Manage assigned OwnBrands category strategies that are executed via product development, 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: 

• Assist in managing the wholesale P&L for assigned business area to achieve OwnBrands market gains and sales budget. 

• Assist in the development of OwnBrands strategy within the 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 OwnBrands category sales using various internal and external reporting tools available.

• Responsible for influencing merchandising solution plans that optimize sales in both corporate banners and independent stores, specific to assigned OwnBrands categories.

• Identify and manage the product life cycle for OwnBrands items in assigned categories.

• Assist in leading product development process for assigned categories in coordination with cross-functional teams.

• Responsible for overseeing the OwnBrands Design Process for assigned categories.

• Achieves financial targets (sales, profit, market share, inventory levels, etc.) as developed in the planning process; routinely monitors business results; adjust plans as required.

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

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

• Conducts periodic store visits to gain insight into the quality of merchandising solutions, in-store execution, shopper needs for product and pricing concerns.

• 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. 

• 3 years of experience in Merchandising, Category Management, Product Development or Marketing.

• 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 10-15% depend