Category Manager - Health/OTC/Wellness

Job Description

Category Manager, Health/OTC/Wellness
Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106
Department: Category Sales

The Category Manager is responsible for profitable sales growth of the assigned Health, OTC, and Wellness categories for AWG and our Members. They will collaborate with others across the AWG organization and supplier partners to achieve shared objectives. The Category Manager owns all item level decisions within their respective category(s) to include but not limited to proper product mix, costing, promotional plans, shelf placement, efficient and profitable procurement and item derived income to achieve category initiatives. The Category Manager must ensure that the programs are in trend with the industry, focused on delivering the highest quality products and fully supported while receiving the best cost of goods.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position may manage one or more Category Assistant(s).

Category Management

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive category strategies and initiatives, including assortment planning, shelf optimization, and marketing execution.
• Partner with key suppliers to build and execute Joint Business Plans, conducting quarterly business reviews to align on growth strategies and performance targets.
• Oversee both National Brand and AWG Brand assortments, including new product development, to accelerate innovation, drive category sales, and deliver on profitability goals.
• Manage promotional calendars and event schedules to ensure timely and effective execution of marketing and merchandising initiatives.
• Ensure all system and file maintenance activities are completed accurately and on time to support efficient operations and data integrity.

Budget Achievement

• Oversee category financial performance to achieve established sales and profitability targets.
• Optimize funding and trade investment opportunities across all vendor programs, including allowances, performance funds, incentives, and marketing contributions.
• Identify and leverage direct plant ship options and operational efficiencies to enhance competitiveness and improve return on investment.

Member-Focused Engagement

• Maintain a deep understanding of competitive dynamics and market trends through engagement with retail members and visits to key markets / trade shows.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams-including Inventory Management, Center Store,
• Accounting, AWG Brands, and divisional sales teams-to align initiatives and deliver results.
• Partner with the Promotions team to execute strategic sales programs, ensuring category and consumer insights are reflected in all promotional activities.

Qualifications:

• Any combination of education, training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• College degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years Consumer Products Goods or related industry experience.
• Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, retail/wholesale/warehouse operations, category business planning, marketing, consumer research, and financial management.
• Minimal travel required: primary travel is to AWG members' retail locations and distribution centers, vendor partner locations and trade-related events and shows.
• Intermediate knowledge of business applications (eg. Microsoft Office and Google Suites).

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2023 were $12.4 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday Bonus