Category Manager

Trader Joe's is your favorite neighborhood grocery store! With almost 600 stores nationwide (and growing), we are the place to be. Looking for something delicious and a friendly conversation? At Trader Joe's, you can find both. We love being your first and favorite place to shop.

Like shopping at Trader Joe's? Then, maybe you'll love working with us. We are looking for an experienced Category Manager who is searching to do what they'll love! Do you have experience in pricing, product development, vendor relationships, and negotiations? Do you love food? If so, read on! We may have the role of a lifetime for you!

Trader Joe's is unlike any place you've ever worked. Trust us on that. The qualified Category Manager has at least 6 years of category management in the CPG space experience and is a raving fan of the Trader Joe's concept. A Bachelor's Degree is strongly preferred. This role is based in our office in Monrovia, CA and we have an in office expectation of 5 days a week.

The Category Manager is responsible for:

• Delivering on Trader Joe's Category Vision everyday for their assigned Category while also being responsible for product value, selection, vendor relations, fulfillment measures, and inventory quality.
• Being an expert on Category trends and seasonality creating a WOW! selection everyday.
• Partnering with Merchandising leadership to set and achieve sales, margin, SKU count and sales dollar/unit minimum targets.
• Managing vendors to deliver Value on an ongoing basis while staying informed about vendor capacity and ensures that vendors deliver on their product quality through QC tasting and store feedback.
• Working with different internal teams from partnering with Product Development to actively diversify our vendor base or supporting our Replenishment Buyers to achieve fulfillment goals such as fill-rate, TOS and inventory quality goals.
• Maintaining a Shopping List of needed new products to ensure the Category is exceeding customer's expectations.
• Having a deep knowledge of their category and Trader Joe's product diversity.
• Working collaboratively with other departments.

• At least 7 years of experience as a Category Manager in the CPG industry, with a preference for Grocery and a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of experience.
• Exceptional communication skills with internal and external stakeholders including expert negotiation skills with a focus on building respectful relationships with our vendor partners.
• A comfort with retail-based mathematics and is proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in buying and sourcing of new food products with an understanding of how to evaluate quality, manage fulfillment goals and partnering with larger Product teams.
• The ability to stay organized amid a fast paced and changing retail environment while juggling multiple priorities without losing sight of the smallest details.
• Demonstrated integrity in everything they do.

We get a lot of resumes; so to help us get to know you better, please submit your resume and cover letter. When creating your cover letter, please answer these questions:

• What is your favorite Trader Joe's product and why?
• What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?