Job Details

Category Strategy Manager (CSM)

Category Strategy Manager (CSM) is responsible for planning and developing the assigned Lifestyle category/section merchandising program. Responsible for establishing the merchandise assortment, buying program and in-store presentations to the end of achieving targeted sales, profit and turnover. Directs and controls product selection, promotion and advertising plans. Formulates and prepares the financial forecasts for the sales and profit of all stores in respective categories' operations.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

• Develops purchasing plans and programs to implement corporate policies & Objectives.
• Develops additional or alternate sources of supply (product) for important material (merchandise); secure sources for new or improved materials (product); maintain a list of approved Vendors.
• Develops a good business relationship with Vendors, working together to get the best results for the customer in terms of quality and price.
• Conduct quick, efficient, and thorough negotiations confirming costs, deliveries, specifications and all other details and, as needed, resolve any discrepancies.
• Visit Stores*: Check on merchandise assortment and displays; Stock levels; Customer Service; and Consults with respective Dept. Managers for help to resolve issues or offer suggestions for improvement. *CSM should have their own reliable transportation to be able to make trips to stores and other business needs.
• Stays up to date on new product offerings/programs and will conduct own research to determine product demand. This includes travel to the continental USA and possibly to Japan for trade shows, company stores, and market research.
• Stays up to date on new developments relative material and supplies in order to make recommendations to reduce costs and improve methods.
• Maintains purchase records as are needed by the position and other departments (commodity items).
• Approves invoices for payment and verifies receipt of material (merchandise) or services, checking on accuracy of unit process and extensions.
• Responsible for calculating retail, taking into consideration price elasticity, competitive impact, cannibalization, affinity and other factors.
• Prepares and provides purchase analysis and cost data for use in scheduling, planning, budgeting and other functional activities.
• Generates collects data and generates reports to analyze and evaluate product performance.
• Inventory Control: Calculate turns to identify problems and put into place measurable controls.
• Work with advertising and marketing to promote respective products and programs.
• Understands and abide by all corporate policies and procedures.

Other Duties / Responsibilities:

• Position is exempt. Hours CSM must work are flexible based on business needs. Usually M-F, but due to inventory, special events, store visits, trade shows, business trips may require additional hours and different shifts.
• Maintains high ethical standards in work place.
• Maintains good communication with associates and management.
• Complies with all Health and OSHA requirements.
• Other task as assigned by respective Division Manager.

Personal Requirements:

• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Able to meet and manage deadlines.
• Oral Communication Speaks clearly in all situations; listens and asks questions; Respond well to questions.
• Written Communication Writes clearly and informatively; Able to read and interpret written communication.
• Good Numeric Skills Add, subtract, multiply and divide with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percent.
• Analytical - Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Notices discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information.
• Adaptability Changes approach or method to fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Quality Accurate and thorough; Pays attention to details; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity Works quickly; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.
• Attendance/Punctuality Consistently at work all the time.
• Interpersonal Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; A good disposition.
• Professionalism Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats all with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own action; Follows through on commitments.
• Initiative Volunteers readily; Seeks increased responsibilities; Seeks solutions on own; Offers useful suggestions; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Problem solving Identifies and resolves problems within scope; refer other problems to superior.
• Organizational Support Follows policies and procedures; Supports Company goals and values.
• Safety and Security Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions;

Skills and Abilities:

• Education & Experience:
• 2-year college degree preferred but not required.
• High degree of prioritization and accountability
• Strong work ethic supported by a pleasant and positive attitude.
• Skills and Knowledge:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word and Excel, Publisher, Power Point and other computer applications.
• Good understanding in costing, margin, shrink and how it relates to profitability and ties into the company profit and loss statement.
• General understanding of price elasticity, price affinity and price cannibalization.
• General knowledge of supply chain management (logistics).
• Able to multi-task and work in a fast pace environment and remain organized.
• Certificates & Licenses:
• Driver's license (with a good driver's record)
• Language Ability:
• Ability to effectively communicate and respond professionally both verbally and in written english.
• Ability to interact with all levels of management.
• Work Environment:
• Indoor (Artificial Lighting; Air Conditioned)
• Outdoor
• Noise Level is moderate

Physical Demands:

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands Lift/Carry:

• Stand O (Occasionally) 10 lbs. or less F (Frequently)
• Walk O (Occasionally) 11-20 lbs. F (Frequently)
• Sit F (Frequently) 21-50 lbs. O (Occasionally) w/assist
• Handling/Fingering F (Frequently) 51-100 lbs. N (Not Applicable)
• Reaching Outward F (Frequently) Over 100 lbs. N (Not Applicable)
• Reach Above Shoulder O (Occasionally)
• Push/Pull:
• Climb O (Occasionally) 12 lbs. or less F (Frequently)
• Crawl O (Occasionally) 13 25 lbs. F (Frequently)
• Squat or Kneel O (Occasionally) 26 -40 lbs. F (Frequently)
• Bend O (Occasionally) 41-100 lbs. O (Occasionally) w/assist
• N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
• O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0-2.5+ hrs./day)
• F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 5.5+ hrs./day).
• C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs./day)

Other Physical Requirements:

• Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception)
• Sense of Sound (Hear oral communication and buzzers/alarms)