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 goals
• Curate and manage a relevant, data-informed product assortment rooted in value, quality, and market gaps
• Leads innovation pipeline for D Kitchen product offering, in partnership with prepared foods managers and CK team. Proactively explore opportunities and partnerships to drive category success
• Responsible for thought leadership and category expertise around trends and category innovation
• Drive the day-to-day activities of a selling organization culture with a consumer-centric focus through Assortment, Merchandising, Promotions and Pricing responsibilities
• Establish base and promotional pricing that meets the category financial goals
• Aggressively maximize opportunities and mitigate risks through promotions, pricing, product placement and effective storytelling
• Be a fierce student of the customer, the category and the competition
• Utilize data analytics to gain actionable insights, guide decision-making and inform category strategies
• Expand 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 host
• Partner with internal and external teams to solve customer pain points, make products easy to find and purchase while providing excellent customer service at all times
• Work to ensure proper inventory levels are in line with production demands and plans
• Work 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 service
• Partner with the Promotions team to ensure maximum product awareness in store and online
• Foster 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 service
• Identify and present opportunities for cost savings and tailor strategies to meet financial goals
• Conduct in-depth analysis of consumer data that includes pricing and promotion effectiveness, market trends, assortment evaluation and competitive analysis
• Continually evaluate retail pricing based using tools and analysis; make recommendations to achieve category goals
• Partner 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 growth
• Negotiate compelling discounts, offers and savings
• Seek out and execute special buys and exclusive products that differentiate Dierbergs in the marketplace
• Create visibility into category opportunities, risks, inventory commitments, and supply constraints
• Partner 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 Service
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects with consistent follow-through
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, assess market trends, and improve results
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; professional, approachable, and receptive to others' ideas and feedback
• Proven negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationships
• Knowledge of merchandising and category management, retail operations, replenishment and item management systems preferred
• Able to adapt to change and manage competing priorities in a positive, solution-oriented manner
• Effectively collaborates with various functions in the business. Contributes to cross-functional projects
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel
• BS 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 insurance
• Weekly pay
• Paid time offprovided, including sick days
• Employee Assistance Programfor you and your family to assist in many of life's challenges, from short-term counseling, legal questions to financial guidance
• Associate-only savings, free products, bonus points, sweepstakesand more - being a part of our team has its perks with Dierbergs Rewards
• Wellness initiatives and volunteer opportunitiesto keep you healthy, engaged and involved
• Rewards, recognition and appreciationprograms and events to spotlight you AND your exceptional talents
• Opportunity 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.