JOBS

Ace Hardware seeks a Category Management Analyst to join their team. The Category Management Analyst II will leverage fact-based analytics and customer research to develop consumer-relevant retail assortments and planograms. Improving the store model is pillar of Ace’s long-term retail strategy, and developing the most efficient, productive and differentiated assortments/planograms for our Retailers is a critical element for success. Category Management Analyst II will have responsibility over smaller volume & less complex categories. Salary range is $74,700 – $93,600. They offer a nice benefits package including a comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision and disability) & life insurance benefits for you and your dependents; Paid Time Off Programs (incl. vacation, paid sick time, holiday pay), 401K retirement savings; employee discounts at Ace Hardware; and more.
Responsibilities:

• Data Analysis- Support category line reviews & store model initiatives by conducting thorough analysis of sales data, market trends, product line structures and consumer decision trees to identify opportunities for category growth, space, and inventory optimization.
• Assortment Planning- Develop best in class assortments with the Merchant to grow top line sales, lower cost of goods, and maximize profitability while simplifying the shopping experience for category resets. Manage all aspects of assortment and planograms, from analytics and recommendations of the mix, optimal placement and depth on shelf to cross-functional alignment and execution.
• Cross Functional Collaboration- Lead cross functional teams throughout line review process to ensure that assortments are “retail ready,” and all best practices are implemented for flawless execution at retail. (e.g., Merchandising, Space Planning, Retail Pricing, Store Environment, Retail Analytics, Field Operations, Inventory, etc.).
• Category Performance Monitoring & Insights- Proactively monitor category KPI’s to identify opportunities to make assortment and/or space/planogram changes to improve category performance and to understand impact of prior changes made. Work with management to align on key actions to take based on results and work with cross-functional category team to act as needed.
• Servicing our Retailers- Provide direct customer service to retailers as needed.  Return phone calls and emails promptly exhibiting the willingness and expertise to answer questions and resolve issues as presented.
•  Continuous Improvement- Proactively identify opportunities to enhance category management processes and methodologies, driving efficiency and effectiveness within the organization.
• Complete special projects/requests as assigned by management team.