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POSITION SUMMARY:
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The Category Manager is responsible for managing a product line
or group of product lines for sales, margin and supply chain impact including
turn results. The specific role is responsible for generating new business product
ideas and services primarily focusing on the US retail footprint. This includes assortment planning,
merchandise and vendor selection, negotiation, financial planning, inventory
impact implications, advertising plans, merchandise presentation,
distribution, vendor relations and administration for assigned lines. With guidance
from DMM to help develop and execute
strategies for driving sales and margin, and competitive differentiation.
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PRIMARY DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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1.
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Category Merchant is responsibility for hunting for new
ideas/categories to introduce into the Staples US retail portfolio. In addition, the Category Merchant is
responsibility for developing realistic and effective business plan for each
product line and/or service. Each
project has a strategy deck showcasing opportunity, market share and overall
go-to-market strategy. In addition,
each project must achieve budgeted goals in sales, margin, supply chain
impact (including turns), and drive execution of plan. Identify alternatives for driving sales in
face of negative trends. Develop and approve disposition plans.
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2.
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With support from Director/DMM to develop and execute strategy
for product lines taking into account cross-functional implications. Review
business plans alignment with company strategic objectives and goals.
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3.
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Choose items and vendors for assigned product line(s). Negotiate
with vendors for lower total delivered cost, volume incentives, rebates,
advertising and other applicable allowances. Meet with vendors in development
of marketing plans.
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4.
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Merchandise assigned line(s) to ensure service levels with
minimum inventory investment and maximum gross margin. Effectively manage
impact on total supply chain by leveraging knowledge of inventory turns and logistics
to secure best delivered costs.
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5.
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Review and approve financial and item forecasts with Planners.
Manage adjusted margins and work with Director/DMM for solutions.
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6.
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Partner effectively with Marketing, POG, Inventory Management,
Stores, NAD and other functional areas as needed to achieve corporate goals.
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7.
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Utilize appropriate resources to gather data.
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8.
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Interpret basic financial statements, total costs to serve the
product, financials levers and metrics used in Merchandising to understand
current and future trends. Identify exceptions
and seek additional information when data discrepancies are found.
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9.
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Exhibits proactive communication, assess the need for immediate
action.
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