Category Manager

Category Manager

$76,515 - $97,500 + superannuation

Role Summary

As the Category Manager you will create and manage the category development strategy whilst being hands on in sales.

You will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day management and operations of the store with the following main objectives:

• Optimise category performance and support overall business goals.
• Optimise overall sales through the performance of the highest standard of client experience, product knowledge and operational duties.
• To support and assist management with team leadership and various retail store operations to ensure an effective and efficient store.
• To act as a role model to the team, including coaching and developing skills and competencies.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• With the Store Director, create a growth and development category strategy.
• Support Store Director in buying preparation and selection.
• Team leadership of department ambassadors.
• Track and analyse sales of the categories and quantitative attributes of Team members including Sales, UPT, VPT etc.
• Deep understanding of category performance, new product launches, care, aftersales and rituals.
• Support in-store category events and in-store events.
• Provide category training to sales associates including but not limited to: new product launches, care, aftersales and rituals.
• Develop and motivate the team through goal setting and regular meetings regarding department, categories and sales.
• Lead by example by playing an active role on the sales floor: new product trainings, Sales & Service briefs, category hand rituals etc
• Provide regular business updates, including current sales trends, sales forecasts and competitor updates to Store Director.
• Ensure proper visual merchandising standards are met and maintained as set forth by the Visual Merchandising guidelines.

Client Experience

• Provide exceptional client experience every day to every client using the Sales and Service Ambassador guidelines.
• Motivate and drive the sales team to engage in up-selling, cross-selling and multiple selling for all product categories.
• Support the team by guiding on necessary skills to handle complex customer service issues, i.e. dissatisfied clients, exchanges & returns, after-sales etc.
• Act as a role model to effectively develop and strengthen client relations, and groom repeat clients by utilising available tools including, but not limited to client book, follow up calls, appointments etc.
• Empower the team to gather information to make decisions to provide the best client experience to all clients.
• Lead by example to use elegant and professional dialogue with clients and team.
• Recruit or support the team to recruit new clients to the store.
• Build strong relationships with top clients.
• Accompany clients to national or international events, when and as required.

Store Operations

• Lead by example to ensure daily operations and functions are carried out in line with company policies and procedures.
• Identify and implement plans to deliver efficiencies and productivity improvements in all areas of divisional operations.
• Experience and knowledgeable of all aspects of Cegid, including but not limited to running reports, banking, correcting errors, able to identify and resolve issues.
• Understand, demonstrate and able to navigate tools and programs including and not limited to all internal programs, and upcoming projects to extract relevant data to support the team.
• Perform other projects, as assigned.

Merchandising

• Strong product knowledge.
• Product performance follow up and reporting.
• Manage category buying for the store.
• Proactively manage inventory levels to increase sales and keep a financially healthy stock level.

Reporting

• Review sales performances monthly, and provide assessment and action plans.
• Post even reporting.
• Provide reporting support when incentives are running.

Inventory Management

• Thorough knowledge of the operational controls, stock handling and inventory management systems to ensure smooth product flow.
• Achieve inventory accuracy for categories through cycle counts and stocktakes. Implementing actions (if necessary) to minimise issues.
• Work with Merchandising teams to ensure the appropriate product coverage is presented in store.

Administration and Policies

• Implementation of all internal policies, processes according to audit requirements.
• Implement and maintain the correct procedures relating to Workplace Health and Safety (WHS).
• Maintain the highest standard of housekeeping both on and off the sales floor.

Candidate Profile

• A strong background in high-performing category sales.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Positive, proactive, efficient and client focused.
• Comprehensive and in-depth product knowledge within the different categories and departments.
• Able to motivate, guide and coach sales team to achieve personal targets through effective leadership skills.
• Able to work accurately in a fast-paced work environment and adapt quickly to change.
• Business sense and analytical skills (developing); results driven.
• Organisation, time management and prioritisation skills.
• Computer literate.