The Associate Product Category Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of product lifecycle under the supervision of the Product Management team, driving sales and managing vendor relationships for selected product categories. Additionally, will support the execution of marketing objectives and product induction, while learning and maintaining procurement standards. Will be responsible for pricing, product selection, and promotion of product for assigned categories, including regular reporting on all sales channels (digital and print).
As an Associate Product Category Manager with Travers, you will be responsible for:
Product Development Activities: Under the direction of the PCM leader, oversee:
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New product/brand development
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Product/brand rationalization
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Pricing and procurement strategies
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Private Label brand development and maintenance
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Line maintenance for category profit optimization and growth.
Cost Savings Opportunities: Develop and implement strategies for cost savings, focusing on:
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Negotiate product purchase costs
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Develop and maintain rebate and CO-OP programs
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Obtain favorable payment and delivery terms
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Negotiate acceptable purchase minimums
Inventory Management: Collaborate with the Purchasing team to:
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Understand domestic stocking strategy for products across all warehouses
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Align inventory levels with business and marketing strategy, minimizing lead time to customer
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Maximize turns and ROI on existing inventory
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Minimize overstock and obsolescence.
Competitive Landscape Analysis: Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape:
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Competitive pricing assessment
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Domestic and global market analysis
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Features and specifications comparison
Supplier Relationship Management: Work on enhancing supplier relationships within assigned categories by:
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Addressing pricing discrepancies
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Establishing service level agreements with product vendors
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Develop and maintain a level of quality and consistency throughout assigned category.
Product Data Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date product data for all assigned categories.
Market Research and Feasibility Studies: Research market conditions and conduct feasibility studies to evaluate market demand for new products.
Customer-Facing Material Development: Assist in creating product information for digital and print media by:
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Developing support materials for existing and new products
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Crafting product specifications
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Designing packaging and promotional material
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Creating merchandising collateral.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in related field or equivalent
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Strong negotiation skills
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Commitment to excellence and high standards
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Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
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Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities
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Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams
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Proficient on Microsoft office, especially Excel, knowledgeable with PIM systems
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Ability to multitask
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Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
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Willing to travel up to 20%
METRICS:
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Drive cost savings initiatives to increase overall margin $’s and % for assigned categories – 25%
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Identify/develop products and services that represent high profit and revenue to increase overall profit contribution – 20%
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Private brand sales growth by XX – 20%
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Achieve overall sales growth goal for assigned categories – 15%
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Reduce surplus $’s to XX – 10%
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Improve supplier on time delivery to XX – 10%