Salary Range
USD $80,000.00/Yr. - USD $93,000.00/Hr.
Overview
The Job in a Nutshell
The Category Manager – General Merchandise and Pet, is responsible for developing and maintaining category assortments, planograms, pricing, and promotional strategies that support Natural Grocers’ competitive position and profitability. This role leads supplier negotiations, drives margin performance, stays aligned with trends and seasonality, and supports successful store‑level execution through strong collaboration and oversight.
Responsibilities
Main Ingredients:
Assortments & PlanogramsDevelop and maintain core assortments and schematics, including new, exclusive, and private label itemsManage product introductions, discontinuations, and store‑specific assortmentsPartner with coordinators and stores to ensure accurate and consistent execution, including new store launchesNew Products & Vendor SupportEvaluate new products to ensure alignment with Natural Grocers’ quality standardsNegotiate with suppliers to secure competitive costs, value‑added programs, and exclusivity opportunitiesMaintain strong vendor and broker relationships to support long‑term category growthOrdering & InventoryManage promotional, new products, and new store ordering activitiesManage accurate pricing and inventory levelsEnsure returns, recalls, and related credits are properly executed and recoveredPromotions & PricingManages promotional execution, documentation, and validation of vendor fundingImplement pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and margin goalsOversee pricing, freight, and promotional discrepancies to minimize lost sales and margin riskCommunication & CollaborationServe as a key point of contact for stores, coordinators, suppliers, brokers, and internal partnersProvide guidance and education to support successful in‑store execution of purchasing initiativesSupervisory ResponsibilitiesHire, coach, and manage Purchasing Assistant(s) or other support rolesOversee daily workflow, accuracy, and prioritizationConduct performance reviews and manage employee development and corrective actions in accordance with company policyQualifications
Recipe for Success:
Bachelor’s degree in business preferredMinimum 3 years’ experience in a buying or category management role, preferably corporate retail in natural foodsExcellent written and communication skills are requiredAbility to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlinesComputer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, and Outlook are requiredPrevious experience with SAP a plusStrong analytical skills with the ability to analyze resultsStrong relationship building, negotiations, and influencing skillsTravel up to 25%This job description is not an employment contract. It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities. The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice. Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to them by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.
