• Category Strategy Manager

    Do it Best Corp. (Fort Wayne, IN)


    Category Strategy Manager

     

    Level: Salaried

     

    Division/Department: Merchandising

     

    Reporting to position: VP of Merchandising

     

    About the role: The Category Strategy Manager is responsible for leading, directing, and developing one or more teams within Merchandising to develop and deliver to members programs and products to keep members competitive, profitable, in stock, and at the forefront of change and innovation. Keeps the teams focused on vendors, products, promotions, and pricing related activities to benefit members. Responsibilities: Responsible for all aspects of the specific Merchandise Departments as assigned:

     

    + Strategic Planning and budgeting for assigned areas

    + Strategic Planning specifically on: Sales strategies for departments and product categories

    + Product Assortment strategies for departments and product categories

    + Negotiations and program development with vendors

    + Managing, directing, and developing staff

    + Achieving Annual Performance Targets for each department on sales, margins, turns, and service level

    + Oversight and guidance on supplier selection and negotiations

    + Oversight and guidance on landed cost and pricing calculations

    + Oversight and guidance on RSC product assortment

    + Oversight and guidance on private label product assortment

    + Oversight and guidance on item selection for promotions

    + Oversight and guidance on Market programs and specials

    + Oversight and guidance on Member visits, sales opportunities, and communications

    + Oversight and guidance on work with the Alliance

    + Other related responsibilities as assigned

    + Participate on special projects (as assigned or self-perpetuated). Set objectives, determine action plans and set target completion dates.

    + Assume a leadership role in the Division and the Company

    + Assume a leadership role related to Merchandising topics with members and vendors

    + Develop sales, gross profit and stock turn goals for departments annually

    + Develop annual Key Initiatives for each Merchandising team

     

    Education and Experience: Minimum

     

    + 4 year college degree in business or related field

    + 8-10 years business experience (purchasing focus ideally)

    + Proficient in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Access)

    + Home Improvement industry experience

    + Past record of accomplishments

    + 2-5 years Management Experience

     

    Desired

     

    + Retail experience

    + Retail financial planning and assortment planning experience

    + International or Global Sourcing experience including foreign supplier visits

    + Experience on a national perspective

    Skills and Abilities:

    + Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

    + Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently; flexible

    + Ability to effectively communicate complex and controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience

    + Ability to partner with, collaborate with and influence internal and external team members

    + Complete assignments in a timely manner

    + Strong communications, organizational and project management skills

    + Ability to coach and develop team members

    + Strong analytical skills and attention to details

    + Self-starter with ability to draw conclusions and find solutions

    + Demonstrate a professional and positive demeanor

    Benefits available to you:

    + Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision

    + Paid time off to foster work/life balance

    + Profit sharing

    + Bonus Pay opportunities

    + Retirement funding opportunities

    + Education reimbursement

    + Health club reimbursement

    + Career advancement opportunities

    About Do it Best:

    Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Do it Best is the only US-based, member-owned comprehensive and fully integrated hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With annual sales of nearly $6 billion, Do it Best serves thousands of member-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 other countries, and is now part of the Do it Best Group, the world’s largest independent home improvement co-op. For more information, visit doitbestonline.com and follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/doitbestcorp) , Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/doitbestcorp/?hl=en) , and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/do-it-best-corp%2E) .

    Culture:

    Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. In fact, the three most valued aspects of being a part of the Do it Best team are the culture, the compensation, and the level of fulfillment that each team member experiences from their role.

     

    Our Philosophy : Serving others as we would like to be served

     

    Our Mission : Making the best even better

     

    Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams