As the Gifts and General Merchandise Category Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, sourcing, merchandising, and profitability of the gifts and general merchandise category within a successful chain of convenience stores. You will play a vital role in driving sales, enhancing customer satisfaction, and achieving business objectives.
Location
Southern Illinois
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy aligned with overall business goals.
Conduct market research, analyze industry trends, and identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.
Define assortment plans, pricing strategies, and promotional activities for the gifts and general merchandise category.
Identify and evaluate potential suppliers and negotiate favorable terms and contracts.
Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery, competitive pricing, and adherence to quality standards.
Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, actively seeking new products and fostering innovation within the category.
Determine optimal product assortment, placement, and presentation to maximize sales and customer engagement.
Monitor inventory levels, analyze sales data, and implement effective replenishment strategies to minimize stockouts and overstock situations.
Continuously evaluate product performance, conduct regular competitive analysis, and make data-driven recommendations for assortment optimization.
Work closely with the marketing team to develop and execute marketing campaigns, seasonal promotions, and sales initiatives.
Collaborate on visual merchandising plans to create attractive in-store displays and drive customer interest.
Monitor campaign effectiveness, analyze sales results, and make adjustments to maximize promotional ROI.
Collaborate with internal teams, including operations, finance, and store managers, to ensure effective implementation of category strategies and initiatives.
Stay informed about customer preferences and gather feedback to continuously improve the gifts and general merchandise offering.
Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Merchandising, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Proven experience as a Category Manager or similar role, preferably within the convenience store or retail industry.
Excellent analytical and financial acumen with the ability to interpret sales data and make data-driven decisions.
Exceptional negotiation and supplier management skills.
Creative thinking with the ability to develop innovative merchandising strategies.
Contact
Greg Pernisi at 678-825-3479 or gregp@er-inc.com