This role is responsible for supporting the Customer Solutions Manager in developing and managing 4P (Product Mix, Pricing and Promotion) of the Customer Solutions Business plan to assigned categories at the Wholesale and Retail levels. Product-Under the direction for the Customer Solutions Manager analyzes and determines assortment across distribution and retail stores. Product Placement-Coordinates with the Shelf Technology Team to optimize sales and gross margin results within assigned categories. Pricing-Partner with the Customer Solutions Manager to develop and implement a strategic pricing approach to generate profitable sales in the assigned categories and negotiate allocation of supplier funding to help support the pricing initiatives of the company and its retailers Promotion-assist the Customer Solutions Manager with promotion funding and activity with suppliers and works with the Sales Team to drive effective execution of Sales Initiatives. 

Here's what you’ll do: 

·       Participates in the development of comprehensive Category Business Plans that align with the Company’s overall strategies.  This involves applying tactics in the areas of promotional pricing, promotional analysis, and vendor negotiation. 

·       Develops insights and recommendations from the analysis for the Category Manager to apply to the business. 

·       Manages business to markdown and income budgets, working in partnership with Category Manager to ensure all targets are met.

·       Maintains relationships with supplier partners to facilitate effective promotional planning to increase sales and dead net profit, lower product costs, maximize trade funds, and optimize partnerships. 

·       Supports the Category Manager in tracking, and growing market share gains for both National and OwnBrands. 

·       Assists in developing and maintaining OwnBrands performance to achieve overall company goals.

·       Attends weekly promotional planning review to ensure plans are communicated to the Category Manager and the Business Planning Managers.

·       Communicates back to Category Manager on any changes from the meeting. 

·       Creates, plans, and coordinates the weekly ad plans for corporate retail stores and independent customers.

·       Creates and publishes presells and catalogs with product that support the weekly ad and seasonal sales plans. 

·       Weekly reporting and analysis of executed promotional offers to ensure maximum effectiveness.

·       Responsible for proofing the ads to ensure that the products and prices communicated in the final ad are exactly what was negotiated and planned. 

·       Communicates all ad changes to Category Managers and the Business Planning Managers on all promotional activity revisions.  

·       Responsible to collaborate with the procurement team, input and adjust data in sales plans and validate supplier to support assigned Category Business planning.  

·       Maintains current knowledge of industry trends and best practices, makes recommendations to improve current programs and processes. 

·       Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

·       Bachelor's Degree (Required) Business Administration, Food Marketing, or other related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 

·       Two (2) years' experience in marketing, category management, product management, field sales, store leadership and/or product development experience in retail or wholesale industry. 

·       Strong verbal and written communication skills.  

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

·       Working knowledge of category planning practices.  

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

·       Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Nielsen Category Management tools, experience with purchasing systems is a plus.  

·       Project management experience is a plus.