Who are we?
Australian United Retailers Limited (AUR) is Australia's largest truly independent supermarket chain. Our network includes over 500 supermarkets, food and convenience stores nationally with around 360 of these operating under the FoodWorks brand. Our stores are owned by our members and are serviced by support offices in Melbourne and Brisbane.
We pride ourselves on our fresh, contemporary approach to retail, which allows us to support our growing network of independent stores.
Our people are the core of our organisation. We strive to create a diverse workplace, where team members feel included, respected and valued. We continuously provide opportunities for our employees to develop their skills and enhance their careers through our business.
What is the role?
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a full time Trainee Category Manager.
The Trainee Category Manager is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient execution of all category processes. The role is developmental and forms a central part of the merchandising succession plan.
This requires a focus on:
* Providing clear, timely and accurate data and market information to the Category Manager regarding supplier initiatives/issues and retailer issues.
* Developing and applying the most efficient processes to ensure the development and execution of all category initiatives.
* Working closely with the suppliers, warehouse and the Category Managers to ensure all business activities are executed to meet the business commitments and objectives.
The role has the following key areas of focus:
1. Sales and Gross Profit – Develop a clear understanding of the customer's needs (retailer and consumer) and translate these into in-store offers that continually build customer levels of satisfaction in the supermarket and local networks.
2. Customer Service – Build long-term relationships with retailers and key suppliers to ensure AUR provides the best possible service to retailers while securing the best possible deals/offers from suppliers.
3. Promotional Offer – Develop a core product range that supports a promotional and pricing strategy, incorporating a merchandise standard to generate customer purchases, build sales and provide an offer consistent with the retail network.
4. Financial – negotiate trading term improvements for all direct suppliers, including non-contract income, chargeback plus and other benefits to deliver the income results in line with budgetary expectations enabling continued investment in the AUR network.
Responsibilities
Category Development
* Assume category manager responsibility for the major suppliers and major categories in conjunction with the Category Manager.
* Contribute to the development and construction of each Category Business Plan. (Projects)
* Prepare and facilitate the range review process annually for the Category.
* Collate all relevant information and prepare preliminary recommendations for consideration by the Category Manager relating to the Category future direction.
* Work closely with all Marketing and Supplier personnel to ensure the delivery/execution of all agreed tactics and actions.
* Develop a tracking and audit methodology to ensure that all tactics and actions documented in the agreed Category Business Plan are actioned and reported.
* Coordinate with internal stakeholders for annual key events
Category Processes
* Review category procedures, and ensure all processes are completed within the required time frame.
* Monitor all yearly non contract income in line with agreed terms and supplier commitments.
* Conduct regular (weekly and monthly) review and reporting of actual performance versus forecast on key performance indicators – sales, margins, EWW and promotional results.
* Co-ordinate and participate in special projects as required by the business.
Income
* Negotiate trading terms improvements.
* Negotiate over and above deals for promotional upgrades.
* Negotiate weekly deals for promotion, moving away from scan deals.
* Work with suppliers to remove unnecessary costs through improved productivity to increase margin – eliminate scan deals
* Achievement of annual income budgets set.
Brand and Consumer Focus
* Develop a clear understanding of the customer for the Category to ensure the category focus and objectives are communicated to retailers and suppliers in ways that meet customer needs.
* Understand and ensure the application of all brand standards in all category activities.
* Work closely with the Promotions team to ensure all promotions are executed in full compliance with the business objectives and contractual obligations negotiated.
Supplier Relationships
* Build strong working relationships with all suppliers to the category to ensure positive support for the FoodWorks business.
* Conduct and prepare all appropriate research to position the FoodWorks category.
* Promote the brand through professional representation of the organisation.
Retailer Communications
* Develop a communication process that consistently delivers all category information in a retailer friendly manner.
* Communicate timely market, supplier and category information to retailers.
* Respond to and follow up retailer inquiries regarding aspects of category and business performance.
Required skills
Analysis – the ability to source and review a range of data sources, to determine relevant from irrelevant data, and construct a clear and coherent position to support business initiatives. The ability to question, reflect and develop an objective business case.
* Execution – the ability to implement and drive valued and profitable merchandise and product solutions.
* Information Management – the ability to capture, assess and distil data to create, load and manage all promotional information and delivery 100% accuracy. The ability to identify shortfalls or inaccuracies in data and take proactive steps to resolve for maximum business benefit.
* Project Management and Resource Planning – the ability to develop, implement, manage and deliver multiple projects in an environment that is resource and time constrained utilizing a cross section of internal and external resources.
* Relationship Management – the ability to work within a team environment and across different parts of the business to deliver performance results in a demanding and challenging environment. The ability to build effective working relationships across all colleagues, retailers, suppliers and the Metcash business.
* Supplier Management– well developed understanding of the range of category suppliers and the category supply chain, trends, opportunities and risks. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain viable relationships with suppliers based on agreed objective commercial performance criteria.
* Time Management – the ability to set priorities, plan and organize one's own responsibilities and commitments.
* Negotiation– demonstrated ability to plan, execute and convert negotiations with suppliers to valuable outcomes that have benefit for both parties.
* Business Analysis – the ability to extract, apply and develop available data sources to build an objective and analytical approach to business initiatives and performance measures.
* Category Management– the ability to build sales and engage retailers and suppliers in delivering product, promotion, price and service outcomes to retailers.
* Financial Management– the ability to establish category budgets and deliver outcomes that meet the financial performance criteria of the organization.
Personal Capabilities:
* Commercial Style – a results and detail-oriented person who takes great pride in the development and delivery of their business tasks. Applies sound judgment in difficult situations and makes decisions, or seeks relevant advice, in a timely and effective manner in line with the business performance standards. Aware of the key areas of risk in executing promotions with the ability to take proactive steps to ensure the best business outcome. Is ethical and professional in all business dealings.
* Decision making Style– understands potential business risks and makes decisions in a timely and effective manner consistent with the business control framework. Able to take action in a considered and professional manner.
* Interpersonal Style – positive, energetic, team and collegiate focused. Able to build the trust and confidence of others through personal credibility and on the ground action.
* Work Style –organised with the ability to respond to changes and work flexibly within the business. A strong 'can do' approach with a willingness to accept responsibility to resolve issues and deliver quality business results.
Qualifications:
Tertiary level – Business or Marketing degree is desirable.
Knowledge and Experience
* Retail background recommended gained in either supplier or retailer environment.
* An understanding and feel for merchandise that sells.
* Experienced in dealing in an environment requiring and undergoing significant change where the end point of consumer interaction is controlled by independent store owners.
* Computer trained –Intermediate to advanced word processing and spreadsheets skills.
If this sound like the challenge you are looking for, apply now