Category Strategy Manager

Job Title: Category Strategy Manager Department: Product Strategy Division- Lifestyle Reports to: Lifestyle Division Manager POSITION SUMMARY: Category Strategy Manager (CSM) is responsible for planning and developing the assigned Lifestyle category/section merchandising program.

Responsible for establishing the merchandise assortment, buying program and in-store presentations to the end of achieving targeted sales, profit and turnover.

Direct and controls product selection, promotion and advertising plans.

Formulates and prepares the financial forecasts for the sales and profit of all stores in respective categories operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (responsibilities include, but are not limited to): - Develops purchasing plans and programs to implement corporate policies & Objectives.

- Develops additional or alternate sources of supply (product) for important material (merchandise); secure sources for new or improved materials (product); maintain a list of approved Vendors.

- Develops a good business relationship with Vendors, working together to get the best results for the customer in terms of quality and price.

- Conduct quick, efficient, and thorough negotiations confirming costs, deliveries, specifications and all other details and, as needed, resolve any discrepancies.

- Visit Stores

*: Check on merchandise assortment and displays; Stock levels; Customer Service; and Consults with respective Dept.

Managers for help to resolve issues or offer suggestions for improvement.



*CSM should have their own reliable transportation to be able to make trips to stores and other business needs.

- Stays up to date on new product offerings/programs and will conduct own research to determine product demand.

This includes travel to the continental USA and possibly to Japan for trade shows, company stores, and market research.

- Stays up to date on new developments relative material and supplies in order to make recommendations to reduce costs and improve methods.

- Maintains purchase records as are needed by the position and other departments (commodity items).

- Approves invoices for payment and verifies receipt of material (merchandise) or services, checking on accuracy of unit process and extensions.

- Responsible for calculating retail, taking into consideration price elasticity, competitive impact, cannibalization, affinity and other factors.

- Prepares and provides purchase analysis and cost data for use in scheduling, planning, budgeting and other functional activities.

- Generates collects data and generates reports to analyze and evaluate product performance.

- Inventory Control: Calculate turns to identify problems and put into place measurable controls.

- Work with advertising and marketing to promote respective products and programs.

- Understands and abide by all corporate policies and procedures.

OTHER DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: - Position is exempt.

Hours CSM must work are flexible based on business needs.

Usually M-F, but due to inventory, ...