POSITION SUMMARY- CATEGORY MANAGER KITCHENWARE DIVISION

The Category Manager is responsible for developing unique, innovative and successful new products within their product category that will drive sales while increasing gross margin.

The Category Manger must demonstrate an expertise in his/her product categories.  This includes studying all available information on the internet, as well as in literature, books, magazines and broadcast.

It is also required that each Category Manager become proficient in their areas of responsibility.  They must have first hand knowledge of how products perform based upon their own use and familiarity with the product.

SPECIFIC DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND MEASUREMENTS

Sales and Gross Margin Contribution

The Category Manager will be measured by the success of their individual category, specifically sales and gross margin dollars versus the prior year.  Gross margin percent must also be maintained or grown during the course of the year.

Innovation

The Category Manager will be measured by the amount of innovation he/she has brought to the category.  This must be evident not only in new concepts, procedures and price-points, but also in new packaging and presentation ideas.

The Consumer

The successful Category Manager will focus on the end consumer first.  Products that resonate with the target customer are the keys to success.

The Retailer

The Category Manager must also be familiar with all levels and types of retailers marketing their products including, both traditional “Brick and Mortar” retailers as well as internet and mail order catalog merchants.  Retailers are an excellent

Category Manager Job Description

 The Retailer, continued

source of competitive product design and marketing information and should be studied extensively from this perspective.  It is important the Category Manager truly understands the real needs and direction of the retailer.

The Category Manager must make it easy for the retailer!  Great packaging, presentation and execution, coupled with programs and products innovative enough to deliver better margins for all involved will ensure placement and support of their products.

The Supplier

The Category Manager must understand and facilitate the supplier’s needs for accurate and timely information concerning product design, packaging, samples, regulatory requirements, production requirements and shipping dates.  In addition, the Category Manager must successfully communicate the urgent need to keep pricing sharp and targeted to required price points.

The Category Manager should develop an understanding of the production process and materials used in order to generate a better comprehension of how goods are manufactured.  This knowledge will ultimately help the Category Manager participate in re-engineering products to hit key price points.

Execution

The Category Manager must assume responsibility for the ultimate on-time delivery of all new programs.

When calculating promised ship dates, all current factors should be taken into consideration including, raw material availability, production time, inspection time, packaging, shipping and customs requirements.  All new programs’ initial delivery dates are the responsibility of the Category Manager to meet and deliver as promised.

Foreign Travel

When necessary the Category Manager may be expected to travel abroad twice per year or more as business requires, in order to become familiar with the materials and production methods used by our suppliers in his/her category.

Information Systems

All Category Mangers will be expected to exhibit proficiency in SAP, Excel, and PowerPoint.