Associate Category Manager

Overview

Topco Associates is currently seeking an Associate Category Manager for the Indirect Spend team in Quincy, MA. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Quincy office three times per week and virtual twice per week.

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.

Under the direct supervision and administrative direction of the Category Manager, the Associate Category Manager is responsible for the marketing, merchandising, and management of assigned product groups/programs in such a manner as to grow Topco program sales and enhance the competitive position and profitability of member companies.

Responsibilities

1. Achievement of annual units, sales, productivity, profitability, and volume incentive goals for assigned categories.
2. Conceptualize and create goals, objectives and action plans for product categories, with the purpose of meeting member needs, achieving full member participation, and ensuring that product and services are provided to the advantage of members.
3. Employs superior communication skills to establish credibility with members to expand member participation in existing programs.
4. Stays current with industry, market, and consumer trends in order to enhance members’ competitiveness in the marketplace.
5. Selects products and negotiates price and delivery terms, plans and schedules product purchases, to ensure optimal cost efficiencies to members.
6. Negotiates with authorized suppliers for promotional allowances and volume incentives. Negotiates agreements with suppliers to ensure product availability to meet members’ current and future needs.
7. Employs knowledge of industry and market conditions to assist in the preparation of forecasts and implements buying beneficial to Topco members to ensure maximum member savings and efficiencies. Regularly reviews market conditions to evaluate their effect on products and programs. Recommends the need for program changes, new procurement or market strategies, product introductions and discontinuations.
8. Investigates alternative distribution and cost options to achieve member savings.
9. Uses superior communication skills to keep members informed of promotions, cost advantages, product availability, market trends, and related information to develop member support and maximum participation.
10. Develops a supplier base by evaluating current suppliers on a regular basis and evaluating and recommending new suppliers.
11. Maintains and develops assigned product areas by making field trips to members and suppliers as needed.
12. Demonstrate ability to influence and recommend solutions to members based on their needs and provide cost analyses and options to achieve member savings.
13. Presents to Topco's member-owners regarding assigned projects and segments including market expertise and analysis
14. Travels to Topco's member-owners, suppliers, and trade shows as needed
15. Complete work in a collaborative space with a high level of autonomy and self-leadership.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA

Successful performance of these job functions should result in:

• Achievement of units, sales, profitability, productivity, volume incentive goals.
• Delivery of product to members at the lowest possible net cost on a regular basis.
• Increasing member satisfaction, relative to expectations, with the products and services provided by Topco.
• Superior communication with members and increased member support for and participation in assigned product areas.
• Prompt, accurate, and efficient performance of duties.
• Prompt, courteous, and professional handling of incoming and outgoing phone calls.
• Timely research and preparation of material for projects and reports with a desire to learn new things.
• Ongoing effective and cooperative communication among departments.

Qualifications

Education:

• Four-year college degree preferred in Business Management/Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.

Technical skills:

• Must have strong PC skills in MS Office package: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with material index tracking (Fastmarkets), Salesforce, and Tableau preferred
• Strong analytical skills.

Previous experience:

• 3-5+ years of business experience.
• 3-5+ years of purchasing

Topco strives for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.