CATEGORY MANAGER

ABOUT US:

Lyons Specialty Company., LLC is an independent wholesale distributor servicing 500+ accounts in convenience store retail and foodservice across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. We are a family owned and operated business with over 100 years of stability, experience, and success. Our success is based on a strong commitment to maximizing the potential of our customers and employees alike. We are dedicated to adding value and supporting the internal growth of our talented and committed team!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

SNAPSHOT: The Category Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, management, and execution of select categories. The instrumental objective for the role is to ensure the right products and quantities are readily available to maximize sales, profitability, and drive sustainable growth for Lyons Specialty Co and our customers.

• DEPARTMENT: Purchasing
• REPORTS TO: Director of Purchasing
• COMPENSATION: Hourly
• BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Vision, Basic Life, Short/Long Term Disability, PTO, 401(K)
• COMMITMENT: Full-Time
• LOCATION: Port Allen, Louisiana

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyzes data to determine / capitalize on industry and consumer trends.
• Research new items / programs to develop best in class concepts related to managed products.
• Searches for insights into customer needs / wants and finds new ways of expanding product categories.
• Creates strategy, impactful promotions, and long-term plans for development of product categories that drive sales efforts and customer adoption.
• Collaborates with sales and marketing departments to source, identify, market, and promote product lines and new items.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with key vendors.
• Negotiates best pricing, terms, and financial conditions of vendor agreements. Review and renew existing vendor contracts. Process vendor bill backs.
• Reduces costs that have a direct impact on the company’s bottom line: Decrease excess inventory and design exit strategies for unsuccessful and / or discontinued products.
• Learns purchasing software to create purchase orders to assist and back up Purchasing Manager.
• Attends and participates in training programs, webinars, monthly workshops and company trade and event shows.

ABOUT YOU:

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field preferred.
• 1+ years professional and successful experience in category management and / or purchasing preferred.
• Must be capable of learning and exceling in a specialized software program.
• Computer knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).

KEY ABILITIES & SKILLS:

• Strong work ethic and self-motivated to work independently of direct supervision and as part of a team.
• Processes information with high levels of accuracy and detail. Deadline and results driven.
• Performs efficiently and successfully in a fast-paced and multi-faceted environment.
• Interacts effectively and professionally with all levels of management, vendors, and customers through strong communication in-person, over-the-phone, and in-writing.
• Problem-solving, conflict management, critical thinking, and decision-making.

VALUABLE CHARACTERISTICS (that define Lyons Specialty Co. Culture):

• Pride – Being and doing your best even when no one else is looking.
• Passionate – The internal drive for individual, team, and company.
• Adaptable – A willingness to change when necessary.
• Resourceful – Using existing tools and processes to execute responsibilities timely and accurately.
• Winning – Self-motivated and goal-driven to go out and win the day – EVERY DAY

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Applicable candidates will be required to submit authorization and successfully complete Pre-Employment Screening:

Criminal Background Investigation.

Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Test.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, preferred abilities, and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment.

Lyons Specialty Co., LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.