Job Description

Sr. Category Manager

Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106

Work Model: Hybrid

Department: Center Store

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The Sr. Category Manager is responsible for profitable sales growth of assigned category(s) for AWG/VMC and our Members. They will collaborate with others across the AWG organization as well as supplier partners to achieve shared objectives. The Sr. Category Manager owns all item level decisions within their respective category(s) to include but not limited to proper product mix, costing, promotional plans, shelf placement, efficient and profitable procurement and item derived income to achieve category initiatives. The Sr. Category Manager must ensure that the programs are on trend with the industry, focused on delivering the highest quality products and fully supported while receiving the best cost of goods.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Potential direct reports could be 1 or more Category Assistant(s) and/or 1 or more Associate Category Manager(s)

• Leadership role in the training and development of new Associate Category Managers and/or Category Managers to the Category Management Team.

of Work

• Develop and implement key category initiatives and strategies.

• Develop and maintain complete product and category knowledge.

• Develop sales growth programs that allow market flexibility.

• Develop and manage the AWG Brands assortment including product development to drive category sales and achieve targeted profitability.

• Manage vendor funding to maximize sales and profitability.

• Conduct regular category reviews to maximize category assortment and set category strategies.

• Responsible for managing event schedules and promotions.

• Responsible for overseeing input of all file maintenance is timely and accurately.

• Responsible for all vendor programs, allowances, performance funds, incentive funds, marketing funds, direct plant ship options, and maintaining efficiency incentives to gain a competitive advantage in our markets.

• Communicates and interacts with all cross functional departments (eg. Inventory

• Management, Center Store, Accounting, AWG Brands, and divisional sales teams.)

• Work with Corporate Promotions Planner and Sales Coordinators in each division to implement sales programs, communicating category and consumer trends.

• Visit key markets regularly to stay informed of competitive and market trends.

• Create joint business plans and conduct quarterly business reviews.

• Have an active role in the coaching and development of new associates to ensure consistent application of programs and processes and development of strategic thinking.

• Take a lead role in new process design, integration of new programming or development of strategies to better serve Member’s merchandising needs.

• Take project lead for key Center Store initiatives.

Competencies

• Collaboration – Works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives. Gains trust and support from others.

• Communicates effectively – Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization. Encourages the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions.

• Being Resilient – Takes constructive action to navigate difficulties or obstacles.

• Maintains a positive attitude and forward-thinking approach despite troubling circumstances or setbacks.

• Strategic Mindset – Formulates a clear strategy and maps the aggressive steps that will clearly accelerate the organization toward its strategic initiatives.

• Ensures Accountability – Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures. Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results.

• Financial Acumen – Transforms financial information into business intelligence through analysis and integration of quantitative and qualitative information.

• Customer Focus – Serves as a strategic partner to build, grow and maintain profitable and long-lasting relationships with key accounts. Builds and delivers solutions that meet customers’ expectations.

Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience providing the following

knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• College degree preferred.

• Minimum 7 years Consumer Products Goods or related industry experience.

• Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, retail/wholesale/warehouse operations, category business planning, marketing, consumer research, and financial management.

• Minimal travel required: primary travel is to AWG/VMC members’ retail locations and distribution centers, vendor partner locations and trade-related events and shows.

• Intermediate knowledge of business applications (eg. Microsoft Office and G Suites).

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2024 were $12.1 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account

• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time

• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D

• Employee Assistance Program

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Wellness Program

• Yearly Holiday Bonus