DKitchen Category Manager

DKitchen Category Manager Dierbergs Markets is seeking a passionate and strategic Category Manager to lead innovation, product assortment, pricing, merchandising, and vendor partnerships in assigned categories with a focus on D Kitchen innovation. This role drives a consumer-centric approach through trend-forward strategies, culinary insights, and collaborative cross-functional planning. By delivering exceptional product experiences and staying ahead of market trends, the Category Manager plays a key role in achieving financial goals and advancing our Grow Every Day purpose. How You'll Make an Impact Driving Sales Growth Responsible for producing a comprehensive and cohesive category strategy which successfully meets the needs of our customers and achieves financial goalsCurate and manage a relevant, data-informed product assortment rooted in value, quality, and market gapsLeads innovation pipeline for D Kitchen product offering, in partnership with prepared foods managers and CK team. Proactively explore opportunities and partnerships to drive category successResponsible for thought leadership and category expertise around trends and category innovationDrive the day-to-day activities of a selling organization culture with a consumer-centric focus through Assortment, Merchandising, Promotions and Pricing responsibilitiesEstablish base and promotional pricing that meets the category financial goalsAggressively maximize opportunities and mitigate risks through promotions, pricing, product placement and effective storytellingBe a fierce student of the customer, the category and the competitionUtilize data analytics to gain actionable insights, guide decision-making and inform category strategiesExpand private label product assortment and development by utilizing data to identify gaps and new product trends to address market needs. Executing Operational Standards Build and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders including (but not limited to) store operations, vendors, core managers, peers, marketing and hostPartner with internal and external teams to solve customer pain points, make products easy to find and purchase while providing excellent customer service at all timesWork to ensure proper inventory levels are in line with production demands and plansWork directly with the Department Supervisor (Operations) to ensure operational standards are met; driving consistency and excellence in the execution of category strategies, displays and customer servicePartner with the Promotions team to ensure maximum product awareness in store and onlineFoster a work environment that embodies the core values of Dierbergs, champion and develop a diverse and inclusive team environment Managing Cost & Financial Performance Lead vendor negotiations and develop strong, collaborative partnerships to optimize cost, quality, and serviceIdentify and present opportunities for cost savings and tailor strategies to meet financial goalsConduct in-depth analysis of consumer data that includes pricing and promotion effectiveness, market trends, assortment evaluation and competitive analysisContinually evaluate retail pricing based using tools and analysis; make recommendations to achieve category goalsPartner with vendors and brokers to plan and activate promotions across stores and digital channels, securing funding and investments (e.g. discounts, PIPs, media) to support long-term growthNegotiate compelling discounts, offers and savingsSeek out and execute special buys and exclusive products that differentiate Dierbergs in the marketplaceCreate visibility into category opportunities, risks, inventory commitments, and supply constraintsPartner closely with Finance team to ensure payments are received timely and accurately What You'll Need A true passion for food is essential!5-8 years of experience in Category Management or related roles within Food, Grocery Retail, Food ServiceStrong communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong attention to detail and accuracyDemonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects with consistent follow-throughProven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, assess market trends, and improve resultsExceptional interpersonal skills; professional, approachable, and receptive to others' ideas and feedbackProven negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationshipsKnowledge of merchandising and category management, retail operations, replenishment and item management systems preferredAble to adapt to change and manage competing priorities in a positive, solution-oriented mannerEffectively collaborates with various functions in the business. Contributes to cross-functional projectsHighly proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and ExcelBS or BA preferred Why Dierbergs is right for you Health and retirement benefitsincluding medical, dental, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, FSA, and life insuranceWeekly payPaid time offprovided, including sick daysEmployee Assistance Programfor you and your family to assist in many of life's challenges, from short-term counseling, legal questions to financial guidanceAssociate-only savings, free products, bonus points, sweepstakesand more - being a part of our team has its perks with Dierbergs RewardsWellness initiatives and volunteer opportunitiesto keep you healthy, engaged and involvedRewards, recognition and appreciationprograms and events to spotlight you AND your exceptional talentsOpportunity to Grow Every Dayby building knowledge, supporting growth and creating connections - Let's GROW!Career advancementand growth opportunities throughGROWU, our Learning & Development program for current and future Leaders This job description is representative only and is not all inclusive of the responsibilities that the Associate may be required to perform.

Created: 2025-07-14