Category Manager $76,515 - $97,500 superannuation Role Summary As the Category Manager you will create and manage the category development strategy whilst being hands on in sales. You will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day management and operations of the store with the following main objectives: Optimise category performance and support overall business goals. Optimise overall sales through the performance of the highest standard of client experience, product knowledge and operational duties. To support and assist management with team leadership and various retail store operations to ensure an effective and efficient store. To act as a role model to the team, including coaching and developing skills and competencies. Key Responsibilities Category Management With the Store Director, create a growth and development category strategy. Support Store Director in buying preparation and selection. Team leadership of department ambassadors. Track and analyse sales of the categories and quantitative attributes of Team members including Sales, UPT, VPT etc. Deep understanding of category performance, new product launches, care, aftersales and rituals. Support in-store category events and in-store events. Provide category training to sales associates including but not limited to: new product launches, care, aftersales and rituals. Develop and motivate the team through goal setting and regular meetings regarding department, categories and sales. Lead by example by playing an active role on the sales floor: new product trainings, Sales & Service briefs, category hand rituals etc Provide regular business updates, including current sales trends, sales forecasts and competitor updates to Store Director. Ensure proper visual merchandising standards are met and maintained as set forth by the Visual Merchandising guidelines. Client Experience Provide exceptional client experience every day to every client using the Sales and Service Ambassador guidelines. Motivate and drive the sales team to engage in up-selling, cross-selling and multiple selling for all product categories. Support the team by guiding on necessary skills to handle complex customer service issues, i.e. dissatisfied clients, exchanges & returns, after-sales etc. Act as a role model to effectively develop and strengthen client relations, and groom repeat clients by utilising available tools including, but not limited to client book, follow up calls, appointments etc. Empower the team to gather information to make decisions to provide the best client experience to all clients. Lead by example to use elegant and professional dialogue with clients and team. Recruit or support the team to recruit new clients to the store. Build strong relationships with top clients. Accompany clients to national or international events, when and as required. Store Operations Lead by example to ensure daily operations and functions are carried out in line with company policies and procedures. Identify and implement plans to deliver efficiencies and productivity improvements in all areas of divisional operations. Experience and knowledgeable of all aspects of Cegid, including but not limited to running reports, banking, correcting errors, able to identify and resolve issues. Understand, demonstrate and able to navigate tools and programs including and not limited to all internal programs, and upcoming projects to extract relevant data to support the team. Perform other projects, as assigned. Merchandising Strong product knowledge. Product performance follow up and reporting. Manage category buying for the store. Proactively manage inventory levels to increase sales and keep a financially healthy stock level. Reporting Review sales performances monthly, and provide assessment and action plans. Post even reporting. Provide reporting support when incentives are running. Inventory Management Thorough knowledge of the operational controls, stock handling and inventory management systems to ensure smooth product flow. Achieve inventory accuracy for categories through cycle counts and stocktakes. Implementing actions (if necessary) to minimise issues. Work with Merchandising teams to ensure the appropriate product coverage is presented in store. Administration and Policies Implementation of all internal policies, processes according to audit requirements. Implement and maintain the correct procedures relating to Workplace Health and Safety (WHS). Maintain the highest standard of housekeeping both on and off the sales floor. Candidate Profile A strong background in high-performing category sales. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Positive, proactive, efficient and client focused. Comprehensive and in-depth product knowledge within the different categories and departments. Able to motivate, guide and coach sales team to achieve personal targets through effective leadership skills. Able to work accurately in a fast-paced work environment and adapt quickly to change. Business sense and analytical skills (developing); results driven. Organisation, time management and prioritisation skills. Computer literate.
