Category Leadership Manager ll

Position Summary 

This position is a manager within the National Accounts – Kroger Beer Team and is accountable for leading a team, driving category strategy, providing space/assortment services, and category management support. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing space allocation/optimization and assortment planning at Harris Teeter for Beer. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead three direct reports 

• Gather and combine complementary data from multiple sources.  Cleanse, analyze, and validate data. 

• Interpret data, draw conclusions, and develop insights and presentations 

• Prioritize and lead assortment and space planning (drawing / validation of schematics) projects to plan, meet expectations and ensure successful completion of assortment and space planning projects 

• Follow store clustering, customer segmentation, store data standards, and merchandising guidelines 

• Leads scorecards and report development and updates to measure results 

• Coordinate with IT and technical teams to ensure efficient use of technology 

• Provide Category Management support including insights, performance analysis and identification of opportunities 

• Present recommendations for space allocation/optimization and assortment planning 

• Lead the development of consistent assortment and planogram standards and ensure adherence to standards 

• Lead space and assortment opportunities aligned with the strategic direction of Category Solutions initiatives and Category Leadership activities 

• Expert user of space planning and assortment software, processes, and solutions 

• Train, mentor and develop team members to elevate performance and meet/exceed objectives 

• Develop tactics and strategies to drive the category at the retailer 

• Work closely with National Account Manager to hit key goals and metrics 

• Meet with Retailer Leadership at least monthly to review business objectives, custom reporting and merchandising guidelines to constantly improve processes and help Retailer grow business 

• Conduct weekly meetings with team to develop/refine reports, improve merchandising guidelines and processes, and generate ideas 

• Develop relationships with key personnel at all levels and departments with wholesalers and suppliers who service the Retailer 

• Celebrate wins, share best practices and actively engage with CBI peers and leadership 

Minimum Qualifications 

• 4+ years of category management, consumer or shopper insights, space management, or research experience with a CPG required 

• Must have alcohol industry experience 

• Ability to build strong relationships, initiate action and adjust to change are key attributes of this role 

• Proficient in the use of all category management and space planning software, concepts, analytical techniques; have a thorough understanding of syndicated data. 

• Strong PC proficiency, including extremely strong PowerPoint and Excel skills. 

• Strong communication skills and ability to influence at all levels of the organization 

• Ability to travel by car or plane approximately 30% 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred 

• Experience with JDA Space Planning Software a plus 

• Beer or Wine industry experience preferred 

Physical Requirements/Work Environment  

• Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit 

• Must be able to move up to 55 lbs 

• Use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms 

• Climb or balance stairs/ladders 

• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear 

• Must have close vision, distant vision, and ability to adjust focus, peripheral vision 

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time 

• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a car and travel via plan/train as needed