Explore the critical requirements, core duties, primary responsibilities, and key skills that should be included in a comprehensive Category Manager job description.
What does a Category Manager do?
A category manager is responsible for overseeing the marketing and product displays for a specific category of products. This includes creating marketing materials and retail displays, analyzing sales data, and working with suppliers and retailers. They also develop and implement strategies to increase sales through effective planograms.
Job Description
We are looking for a highly skilled category manager to manage product categories for our business. In this role, you will be responsible for effectively marketing product categories, collaborating with management on strategies, conducting market research, updating internal reports, performing regular retail checks, and driving sales through planogram strategies.
To be successful as a category manager, you should have a strong understanding of customer and shopper trends, as well as advanced knowledge of category management principles. You should also be persuasive, sales-driven, goal-oriented, and able to effectively communicate your ideas to consumers and stakeholders.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Optimizing product categories and displays for sales and marketing purposes.
- Researching and analyzing sales and consumer behavior trends.
- Preparing reports to improve sales within the organization.
- Creating and adapting marketing materials and displays as needed.
- Developing planograms for shelf displays.
- Communicating with suppliers and retailers about products.
- Enhancing in-store displays with signs, labels, and tips for product categories.
- Adjusting strategies and materials to target new markets.
- Coordinating and conducting market research projects.
- Managing inventory for various product categories.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or supply chain management.
- 3 years of experience in retail and marketing.
- Proficiency in supplier management software such as Retail Link, Apollo, and Nielsen Spectra.
- A strong understanding of spatial, design, and promotional planning.
- Up-to-date knowledge of category management principles.
- Ability to evaluate current retail practices.
- Excellent writing skills and ability to generate reports on market activity.
- Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think from a consumer's perspective and understand buying behavior.
- Analytical, creative, and goal-driven mindset.
Alternate Job Titles
- Category Management Manager
- Category Management and Insights Manager
- Category Research and Metrics Manager
- New Product/Brand Manager
- Product Category Strategy and Promotion Manager
Category Manager Salary
The earning potential of a Category Manager can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Category Manager in the United States is approximately $134451.
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