ASSISTANT CATEGORY MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Assistant Category Manager owns a defined slice of a retail or consumer goods portfolio, the SKU mix, the promotional calendar, and the supplier relationships that keep shelf performance on plan. Category work at this level is grounded in planogram discipline and promotional P&L accountability, two domains where small analytical errors compound quickly into margin loss across thousands of store facings. The role sits inside a commercial or merchandising function and answers to a Category Manager while collaborating daily with Inventory, Pricing, Finance, and Supply Chain. Mastery here means translating market observation and sales data into assortment decisions that hold up under quarterly review.

As the Assistant Category Manager, you drive the tactical execution of category plans, managing SKU assortment, promotional programming, and supplier pricing to deliver against sales and margin targets within your assigned categories. You work within a cross-functional commercial team, supporting the Category Manager while holding direct accountability for supplier data, inventory health, and promotional post-appraisal across a one-to-three-year merchandising horizon.

Career Impact: Owning P&L analysis and planogram optimisation at this level builds the commercial fluency that separates mid-level buyers from Category Managers in the FMCG and grocery retail markets.

Business Impact: The SKU and promotional decisions you make directly determine stock availability and promotional margin for the categories your end consumers interact with every week on-shelf.

Growth Opportunity: The analytical rigour and supplier negotiation experience gained here create a direct path to a Category Manager seat, with the cross-functional exposure to Supply Chain and Finance broadening your scope beyond merchandising alone.

• Analyse category P&L, develop sales and margin projections, and support quarterly reconciliation for assigned categories.
• Execute promotional strategy, including building off-shelf plans, tracking promotional periods, and conducting post-appraisals to drive corrective action.
• Review planograms and optimise SKU assortment, space allocation, and product flow to maximise sales and profitability.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers on an ongoing basis and process monthly promotions from key supplier accounts.
• Monitor stock levels for top SKUs and liaise with Supply Chain to resolve inventory and fulfilment issues.
• Develop category reports covering sales performance, competitive benchmarking, and trend analysis for review with the Category Manager.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Inventory, Pricing, Promotion, Finance, and Store Operations to support category plan execution.
• Conduct market surveys and competitive store visits to track pricing, assortment changes, and emerging consumer trends.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of experience in category management, merchandising, buying, or retail operations, with demonstrated analytical contribution.
• Strong working knowledge of retail math, including margin calculations, sell-through rates, and promotional ROI.
• Proven ability to analyse sales and inventory data and translate findings into actionable category recommendations.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, including pricing negotiations and performance monitoring.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to changing business demands.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet and data analysis tools to produce reports, category reviews, and executive-level summaries.

• Experience in the FMCG, grocery, or consumer packaged goods sector, particularly within a promotional planning or trade marketing function.
• Exposure to ERP systems or category management platforms in a purchasing or supply chain capacity.
• Familiarity with planogram design principles and space management methodology.
• Experience supporting omnichannel category strategies, including digital merchandising or e-commerce assortment management.

• Category gross margin percentage, reflecting the commercial outcome of SKU and promotional decisions.
• Promotional post-appraisal completion rate, measuring discipline in reviewing and acting on promotional results.
• Supplier on-time delivery and fill rate, tracking the impact of supplier management on shelf availability.
• SKU rationalisation ratio, indicating how effectively the assortment is optimised against space and sales contribution.
• Category sales variance to plan, measuring how closely executed plans track to agreed targets.
• Typical tools: spreadsheets and data platforms (commonly Excel, SAP BI); category management suites (commonly Nielsen, Dunnhumby).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000 per year
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 5–10% of base salary
• Equity: Rarely offered at this level; occasionally available at larger CPG firms
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company
• PTO: 15–20 days per year, plus public holidays
• Common Perks: Employee product discounts, professional development budget, hybrid work options

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion is a condition of employment for this role, including verification of prior employment and education credentials. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should notify the hiring team. Candidates must hold valid authorisation to work in the United States.

The Assistant Category Manager delivers sales and margin outcomes for an assigned category by executing planogram reviews, optimising SKU mix, managing promotional programmes, and driving day-to-day tactical plans. Working alongside teams in Inventory, Pricing, Finance, Store Brands, and Store Operations, this role shapes the category's competitive position through supplier sourcing, market research, and data-driven assortment recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute directly to sales and margin goals in the assigned category.
• Analyse profit and loss information for the category, develop sales and margin projections, and assist in P&L reconciliation.
• Conduct planogram review and optimise assortment and flow.
• Analyse relevant data and incorporate findings and recommendations into category plans, covering optimal SKU mix and promotional programmes for merchandising programmes spanning one to three years.
• Drive tactical execution of day-to-day plan activities, including building off-shelf plans, managing seasonal programmes, tracking promotional periods, and performing post-appraisals to take corrective action.
• Execute promotional strategy.
• Collaborate with internal teams in Inventory, Pricing, Promotion, Finance, Store Brands, Store Design, and Store Operations.
• Analyse sales records and inventory levels of current stock.
• Seek new, alternative foreign and domestic suppliers.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of current competition, search out new competitive opportunities, and make recommendations.
• Keep abreast of changes in the market.
• Research customer product preferences, supplier prices, and the competitive environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred and/or equivalent experience.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in a retail organisation or in an analytical, merchandising, or buying position preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of retail math concepts and demonstrated application.
• Proven ability to implement strategies and use negotiation tactics to grow sales.
• Technical experience in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and some Access or other database knowledge.

Embedded within the Category Management function, the Assistant Category Manager coordinates procurement activities for assigned categories to ensure continuity of raw material supply within cost and quality constraints. Working closely with the Supply Chain team, Product Development, and Category Managers, this role builds supplier relationships, maintains master data, and advances category strategy through daily administration, performance monitoring, and cross-functional project support.

Core Functions

• Assist the Category Manager with daily administration of category responsibilities.
• Manage supplier setup and master data attributes including lead time variability, delivery methods, costs, and stocking types.
• Facilitate the new supplier and sample approval process between the supplier and the Quality Assurance team.
• Maintain the supplier master data repository.
• Manage cost changes from suppliers and communicate updates to the Category Manager.
• Support the Category Manager on ad hoc projects and data analysis.
• Work with the Supply Chain team to resolve daily issues and ensure critical steps in new product launches are met.
• Liaise with the Product Development team and Category Managers on new projects.
• Partner with the Category Manager to set, manage, and execute the strategic direction for secondary categories.
• Liaise between the Category Manager and suppliers to address issues or opportunities surrounding fill rates, quality, and performance.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Stay current on the industry and competitive landscape.

Qualifications & Experience

• Undergraduate diploma or university degree in Business Administration or a related field, with a focus on Procurement or Supply Chain Management preferred and/or equivalent related experience.
• Professional designation or certification in Purchasing or a related field is an asset.
• Two to three years of purchasing experience in the consumer packaged goods and/or food and beverage industry.
• Prior experience managing international commodity purchases is an asset.
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Hands-on experience using Tier 1 ERP functionality in a purchasing capacity.
• Prior experience with the Supply Management and/or Material Planning module of JD Edwards is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to distill data from multiple sources into summary documentation to support decision-making.
• Ability to develop and deliver well-structured summary presentations in support of negotiations, vendor reviews, and strategic reviews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Reporting to the category leadership team, the Assistant Category Manager owns P&L for assigned brands and categories in the food industry, leading cross-functional projects spanning Insights, Finance, Operations, Demand Planning, and Sales. Partnering with the sales and forecasting team, quality complaint team, and senior stakeholders, this role contributes directly to pricing strategy, annual marketing planning, and growth execution for assigned brands.

Primary Duties

• Own P&L for assigned brands and categories.
• Manage finished goods, ingredient, and packaging inventory.
• Provide inputs to supply chain and operations on product and category trends.
• Work with the sales and forecasting team to ensure forecasts for assigned brands are as accurate as possible.
• Work closely with the quality complaint team to understand drivers behind customer complaint trends and operational issues.
• Interact with customers directly to follow up on and resolve complaints.
• Lead cross-functional team projects spanning Insights, Finance, Operations, Demand Planning, Customer Marketing, Innovation, R&D, and Sales in support of category objectives.
• Participate in identifying industry and consumer trends by mining and analyzing secondary data to spot insights and uncover new opportunities.
• Assist with building and executing pricing strategy for assigned brands and categories.
• Contribute to the strategic planning process and the development and execution of growth strategies and the Annual Marketing Plan for assigned brands and categories.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a similar field preferred.
• One to two years of experience in business management preferred.
• P&L management and/or brand growth experience in the food industry, specifically in protein, preferred.
• Knowledge of interdepartmental functions and experience interacting closely with sales and cross-functional teams.
• Strong financial and quantitative analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, with emphasis on spreadsheet analysis.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work cross-functionally across departments.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Sitting at the intersection of commercial strategy and data analytics, the Assistant Category Manager develops category performance reports covering sales, profitability, and waste to support Category Managers in driving market share. Operating across supplier management, promotional forecasting, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement, this role translates market data and trend analysis into actionable category recommendations.

Duties

• Work with Category Managers to develop category performance reports covering key metrics including sales, profitability, and waste.
• Review market data, trends, and report outputs to identify opportunities and initiatives to drive sales, profitability, and market share.
• Inspire thought leadership with internal teams to lead brand, product, and sales strategy based on data and insights.
• Ensure communication to retail stores is clear to enable a high level of execution.
• Support the development of commercial forecasts for the promotional program and stock forecasts for direct-to-store suppliers.
• Assist with lookback analysis of promotions and modelling of new promotional mechanics.
• Support the management of supplier relationships, including supplier invoicing and tracking of supplier income.
• Negotiate effectively and engage a diverse group of stakeholders while communicating key information clearly.
• Manage time and workload to handle multiple priorities and varying business demands.

Skills & Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in commerce or a relevant technical field.
• Experience in a merchandising, purchasing, or commercial environment.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including prior exposure to data analysis.
• Ability to translate data into recommendations.
• Prior use of SAP BI Tools, Power BI, or market performance tools would be beneficial.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

A key member of the buying and merchandising team, the Assistant Category Manager maintains awareness of nursery industry trends and manages product range life cycles and seasonality in collaboration with internal teams. Collaborating across buying, marketing, and merchandising, this role builds supplier relationships to improve pricing and quality while ensuring product availability meets demand across all channels.

Accountabilities

• Maintain awareness of the nursery industry and its changing consumer trends.
• Maintain and evolve products and ranges, managing the life cycle and seasonality of products with internal teams.
• Build and drive relationships with suppliers to improve pricing and quality of services.
• Monitor pricing and promotions across all channels.
• Ensure product availability meets demand.
• Assist with category management to optimise ranges and their related merchandising.
• Develop strong working relationships with buying, marketing, and merchandising teams.

Requirements

• Previous industry experience and/or a strong passion for the industry and its product range.
• Robust knowledge of the key principles of category management, product marketing, and sales.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyse and present data clearly.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to react quickly to change and manage workload priorities effectively.
• Ability to identify opportunities and trends with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to innovate, adapt, and think on one's feet.

Accurate product data across supplier onboarding, content management, and discontinuation processes depends on the Assistant Category Manager, who manages NPI file collection, resolves product discrepancies, and develops subject matter expertise in data structure and reporting systems. Based within a cross-functional environment spanning Supply Chain, Pricing, Marketing, and Digital Merchandising, this role ensures comprehensive product information is acquired, maintained, and actioned promptly.

Areas of Ownership

• Manage the supplier onboarding and setup process.
• Collect NPI and image files and prepare them for submission.
• Assist in the acquisition and maintenance of comprehensive product information, including product specifications, product images, and additional product content.
• Resolve and maintain product discrepancies, including issues related to image, content, cost, MOQ, unit of measure, and Purchase Order and Customer Service matters, on an ongoing and timely basis.
• Manage and execute the discontinuation process.
• Become a subject matter expert in data structure and reporting systems.
• Complete ad hoc requests and special projects in a timely and accurate manner.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Supply Chain, Pricing, Marketing, and Digital Merchandising, on projects as needed.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Zero to two years of experience in a related field preferred.
• Experience in distribution, online marketplaces, wholesale, or e-commerce preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Highly detail-oriented and organised with the ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

As the Assistant Category Manager, this role produces category reports, supports global assortment decisions, and serves as a consultative expert on respective categories for Revenue Managers, helping Brand seize growth opportunities through new product development. The Revenue Management team relies on this work to shape listing and launch plans through omnichannel analytics, event performance insights, and actionable market recommendations shared globally.

Job Functions

• Produce category reports with a focus on supporting markets, identifying trends, and highlighting risks, opportunities, and best practices for Revenue Managers.
• Support simplification of the business case and pricing process to enable Brand to seize revenue and customer growth opportunities through New Product Development while removing inefficiencies.
• Agree on the global assortment in collaboration with Brand and Market Revenue Managers following category and project deep dives, providing actionable insights for markets.
• Serve as a consultative expert on respective categories for Revenue Managers and report on NPD performance to support listing and launch planning.
• Collaborate with Category Analysts to understand event performance and ensure omnichannel analytics and global best practice sharing.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial or merchandising role.
• Strong analytical skills with a passion for driving and influencing decision-making through performance data.
• Prior experience in a global business is preferred.
• Ability to influence across functions and with senior managers.
• Strong sense of initiative, ownership, and accountability for the business.
• Profit- and results-focused mindset with the ability to demonstrate impact and drive change.

Assistant Category Manager manages stock levels, pricing, and promotions for assigned product categories while conducting bi-weekly market surveys and competitor store visits to support informed commercial decisions. The work directly supports supplier payment coordination, promotional execution, and category financial controls across a retail or FMCG environment.

What You'll Do

• Manage stock levels and conduct regular checks on top SKU inventory.
• Set up, adjust, and maintain pricing and promotions for new and existing products across relevant systems.
• Negotiate and review pricing with suppliers on an ongoing basis.
• Process all promotions from top suppliers on a monthly basis.
• Follow up on the alignment and arrangement of incoming stocks on new deals.
• Control cost of goods sold reduction.
• Prepare sales reports and handle related administrative tasks.
• Conduct bi-weekly pricing and market surveys, including visits to competitor stores.
• Process payments and liaise with suppliers on payment dates and order fulfilment.

Professional Experience

• College or university graduate.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in the retail or FMCG industry.
• Experience working with business systems.
• Strong responsiveness and interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills.

The Assistant Category Manager develops data-driven category sourcing strategies and leads RFP management, supplier negotiations, and contract deployment for the university, serving as the primary interface between senior university stakeholders and suppliers for procurement contract development. Working collaboratively with Buyers, the Strategic Sourcing Analyst, and the Category Manager, this role advances cost savings, process efficiencies, and supplier performance across a complex institutional procurement environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty, staff, and students to develop, implement, and manage category strategies, and define and communicate specifications and sourcing options.
• Establish master agreements, negotiate contracts, develop Requests for Proposals, develop minority and local business plans, and coordinate with suppliers to request price quotes and proposals for goods and services in line with category strategies.
• Draft and negotiate purchasing terms and conditions in accordance with applicable policies and customer requirements.
• Execute purchasing contracts and master agreements within signature authority limits.
• Review and authorise assigned purchase orders in accordance with departmental needs, best procurement practices, and policy.
• Oversee day-to-day processing of purchase orders and resolve purchasing holds and warranty disputes with customers and suppliers.
• Complete the seven-step strategic sourcing process and tasks within individual steps.
• Analyse spend data to determine pricing inconsistencies, savings opportunities, and consolidation and demand management opportunities.
• Track trends in the marketplace, actively monitor price indices applicable to category areas, identify new sources of supply, and engage with potential and existing suppliers.
• Measure and manage supplier performance relative to contracted service levels, and identify and resolve supplier performance issues.
• Collaborate in the development of effective and efficient purchasing policies and procedures.
• Seek opportunities for continuing process improvement in processes and capabilities within the role and the Finance group overall.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Supply Chain Management, or equivalent work experience.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or other purchasing professional certification preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement contracting, and/or category management, including leading RFP projects and competitive bidding.
• Substantial relevant experience in a complex organisation with a strong purchasing and payables background preferred.
• Ability to draft and negotiate complex contracts with solid working knowledge of procurement contract law.
• Ability to simplify complex problems, processes, or projects into parts and evaluate them systematically, with an understanding of commercial imperatives and trading relationships.
• Ability to analyse large amounts of data and distil it into an executive-level presentation preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and a highly organised work style, combined with effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, understanding their needs and goals.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others as part of a team and independently.
• Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals or groups while appreciating different and opposing perspectives.
• Ability to challenge systems and processes that block collaboration, connect people and ideas across the organisation, and share resources, knowledge, and ideas to build productive relationships.
• Creativity and openness to alternative approaches, willingness to take and promote considered risks, and the ability to learn from failure.

Embedded within a global consumer products licensing function, the Assistant Category Manager implements home category plans and strategies across global, regional, and local markets, developing business proposals for key licensees and managing royalty statements, budgets, and contracts. Working closely with Product Development, compliance teams, and Marketing, this role builds licensee relationships to achieve yearly revenue targets and ensure brand management approvals across all product and marketing activities.

Core Responsibilities

• Implement and develop global, regional, and local home category plans and strategies in line with overarching category direction.
• Conduct market analysis to monitor industry trends, regulations, sub-category performance, and retail channels, and develop category strategy across relevant pillars.
• Identify category key drivers, including product, price, and retail channel, to synchronise with category strategy and licensee needs.
• Develop, implement, and achieve yearly revenue targets, including wholesale sales, royalty revenue, and operating income, for assigned categories and licensees.
• Identify and pitch new local licensees through market analysis to align with category development plans and royalty targets.
• Identify product, property, and channel gaps and ensure plans are in place to fill them.
• Develop business proposals for key licensees to increase product presence by suggesting product development and marketing communications.
• Coordinate with compliance, product integrity, and product development teams to ensure licensees meet labour, quality, safety, and product approval requirements.
• Ensure licensees comply fully with contract terms and conditions and secure all required brand management approvals for marketing, retail promotions, and collateral materials.
• Liaise with the Product Development team to ensure products align with category plans and quality improvement programmes, and assist with product and artwork approvals.
• Manage licensee budgets and forecasts, providing monthly and quarterly revenue projections based on licensee data and market observation.
• Manage the collection of royalty statements and reports, and administer and execute contracts.
• Coordinate with Marketing Teams to support sales promotions, events, and advertising, and ensure licensees implement branding and visual merchandising programmes with all required approvals.

Background & Experience

• University degree, preferably in Marketing or Business Commerce.
• 5–7 years of experience in the consumer products industry in merchandising, marketing, retail, or sales, with sales and account management experience an advantage.
• Marketing and trade marketing background with a good sense of brand value to products.
• Good analytical skills and understanding of business and financial concepts.
• Self-directed and a strong team player with a positive, energetic, and inclusive attitude.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Reporting to the category leadership team, the Assistant Category Manager refines category objectives, planograms, and promotional plans for assigned categories using BW and AC Nielsen data to achieve sales and profit targets. Partnering with the Planogram Specialist and business partners, this role executes competitive store visits, conducts bi-monthly analyses of retail history and advertising performance, and delivers SKU and assortment recommendations grounded in category management best practices.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Assist the Category Manager in developing overall category objectives, financial goals, market penetration, and leadership positioning strategies for assigned categories.
• Assist in developing sales and promotional plans, including advertising layouts, theme events, seasonal opportunities, and in-store activity, to achieve category targets.
• Assist in maintaining the promotional calendar to maximise sales and profits in assigned categories.
• Recommend new items and items to be discontinued by utilising analytical technologies to maximise SKU and assortment mix, space allocation, sales, profits, and advertising effectiveness.
• Implement pricing strategies and make recommendations on retail prices for individual items in accordance with corporate pricing guidelines.
• Assist in the development of total category planograms based on long-term strategic profitability, customer satisfaction, weekly sales plans, and input from business partners.
• Define space allocation based on targeted revenue and profit contributions.
• Work with the Planogram Specialist to ensure all planograms are current and use correct data for size, shape, and shelf space.
• Complete scheduled category reviews for assigned categories.
• Conduct analyses of retail history, advertising success, product movement, and overall category management.
• Modify category plans and objectives to meet overall sales and profit targets.
• Monitor competitive and industry activities in merchandising, marketing, assortment, pricing, and promotions.
• Conduct bi-monthly competitive store visits to gain first-hand insight across all regions of responsibility.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• College diploma or university studies in a business or related field required.
• Three to five years of experience in a merchandising and/or inventory management role.
• Strong knowledge of meat cutting, balancing cuts, and merchandising fresh, processed, and frozen meats.
• Experience with creation of meat and deli counter layouts.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel required to produce effective spreadsheets, reports, documents, and presentations.
• Proficiency with category management tools such as SAP, AC Nielsen, and Dunnhumby would be an asset.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail, creative thinking, and the ability to manage change.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.