Director Center Store Category Management and Procurement - Associated Grocers of New England : Job Details

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

* Leads Procurement to meet fiscal operational targets regarding gross margin, inventories and service level, and periodic income/expenses

* Directs the team and manages vendor relationships to enable the successful planning of promotional and service level management, in support of customer-focused needs and requirements

* Responsible for the growth and profitability of AGNE's Own Brands, including product assortment, pricing, and promotions

* Leads and directs Category Merchandisers in the strategies related to category management. Responsible for achieving targeted margin and sales goals.

* Supervises personnel, which includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution. Motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.

* Lead the team to minimize financial exposure via inventory management.

* Plans, develops, recommends, negotiates and administers contracts and proposals for new suppliers and merchandising programs

* Acts as the first level escalation resource in the negotiations with vendors for goods, best price and service guarantee.

* Develops new supply sources where vendors do not meet AGNE requirements

* Develops and establishes policies and procedures consistent with those of the Company to ensure efficient operation of assigned area. Ensures that category management and purchasing practices are compatible with AGNE policies and state and federal laws.

* Develops, implements and maintains strategies, policies, objectives, short & long term planning to ensure that goals are met. Prepares departmental budget and monitors departments to meet or exceed budgeted expenses, sales and margin. Work closely with purchasing staff, advertising, and accounting to manage vendor funds.

* Ensure proper inventory management by working with operations supervision as well as inventory control manager and staff.

* Develop and manage merchandising programs to improve sales to our customer base.

* Performs other duties as assigned or required.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

* Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field, or equivalent business experience.

* Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in category management, merchandising, purchasing, team supervision and leadership, and inventory control

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. This includes both oral and writing skills.

* Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing and scheduling work assignments.

* Knowledge and ability to assess contract compliance and product/service quality.

* Experience in employee development and performance management.

* Demonstrated negotiating skills.

REPORTING TO THIS POSITION:

* Category Merchandisers, Buyers and Administrative Staff

NON ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

* MBA desired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

* Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

* No or very limited physical effort required.

* No or very limited exposure to physical risk.