Retail Category Manager

The Retail Category Manager for Mindful Market is responsible for the selection and procurement of products in the grocery, preparing retail and pricing strategies, managing inventory, and keeping track of market trends.

Job Title: Retail Category Manager – Mindful Market

Organisation: Dwellings Group - Barbados

Location: Millhouse, Barbados

Reports To: Group Creative Director

Job Description
The Retail Category Manager for Mindful Market is responsible for the selection and procurement of products in the grocery, preparing retail and pricing strategies, managing inventory, and keeping track of market trends. To be successful in this role you must be highly analytical, organized, and an excellent communicator and negotiator.

Essential Functions

1. Work with the Creative Director to create and maintain assortment plans that align with the target offer and price points, and achieve the targeted inventory turn for the retail grocery store.
2. Identify and build positive long-term relationships with suitable vendors through research and international trade shows. Further negotiate the best possible terms for price, exclusivity in the market and payment terms.
3. Develop sales forecasts and Open-to-Buy budgets for the assigned category. Further, ensure we maintain adequate stock levels with accurate forecasts for replenishments based on lead times from suppliers and expected sales.
4. Communicate with vendors to place and track orders and further work with Logistics to ensure timely fulfillment.
5. Ensure all food importation related documentation is acquired and maintained.
6. Review category performance on a regular basis to identify products to be marked down and/or discontinued, ensuring target sales and margins for the category are achieved.        
7. Closely monitor and manage the expiration and quality of products, implementing markdown strategies as needed.
8. Work with Marketing to ensure that the category is getting the right level of promotion to drive sales and margins.
9. Process supplier claims, ensuring diligent follow-up and timely reimbursement.
10. Provide sales training on products and maintain product information sheets and presentations to be used by our Sales team to maximize product awareness.
11. Generate reports on product performance and statistics.
12. Conduct periodic competitor reviews in the market to identify trends and ensure the category is competitive in the marketplace.
13. Additional duties that may be reasonably assigned within the scope of the position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business, Economics, Marketing or related field.
• 2 - 3 years of experience in retail buying and or category management, preferably in the grocery sector.
• A demonstrated track record of meeting buying targets including sales growth, inventory turn and managing a complex open to buy budget.
• A combination of strong creative and analytical skills.A passion for food, health, wellness, and beauty products would be considered a great asset.
• Advanced Excel proficiency including ability to use formulas and other data management features.
• Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and perform under pressure.