SUPERVALU started in the supply chain and wholesale distribution business and in subsequent years we’ve grown to include traditional and hard discount grocery retail formats. We are currently looking for a Business Support Manager in Eden Prairie, MN.
The Business Support Manager (BSM) will be responsible for supporting the Category Director in developing and carrying out the Category Business Plan (CBP). This individual will be responsible for coordinating team activities that support multiple categories in a customer facing business model. Through execution of the category strategy, the BSM works to meet and exceed sales and margin expectations. As directed by the Category Director, the BSM coordinates ad/promo priorities, refines assortment and presentation, and works with Banner partners on pricing guidelines and tactics. This person will direct the day to day activities of the Business Support Specialist (BSS). The BSM II will also manage well-established categories or subcategories at the Center of Excellence (COE).
- Produce expertise required. Previous experience in store operations preferred, or experience with similar exposure to operations and merchandising.
Business Planning Responsibilities: Supports execution of category strategies and initiatives; delivers against period, quarterly and annual forecast; provides input to the development of a strategic Category Business Plan (CBP).
- Coordinates working plan for team derived from annual & quarterly category merchandising strategy based on evaluation of past performance, consumer and competitive/company trends with a focus on current banner insights.
- Communicates quarterly sales targets by category
- In partnership with the Strategic Research and Analytics team, actively reviews scorecards to bring consumer insights and trends into actionable plans that drive weekly, quarterly and yearly sales and gross profit dollars.
- Oversees Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement Review and Budgeting for Category(s)
Ad/Promo Responsibilities: Compiles market, supplier, and consumer information in support of identifying national promo opportunities; provides input to departmental leadership on ad space allocations by department/banner (i.e. ad space plan).
Assortment and Presentation Responsibilities: Participates in review of full assortment; reviews and gives input into national and local vendor recommendations; supports the discontinued/markdown planning process for national items; Works in collaboration with regional and banner merchants to collect category performance feedback.
Pricing Responsibilities: Disseminates information in accordance with pricing guidelines/tactics; reviews/recommends prices for national vendor items; maintains sensitive items list.
Sourcing Responsibilities: Participates in vendor conversations; understands the vendor funds strategy and assists with the use of the strategy.
Managerial Responsibilities: Provides direction to Business Support Specialists at the COE in initiatives and day-to-day tasks; coaches and develops individuals identified as highly performing in the BSS role.
Developmental Opportunities: After specialized development in such areas as negotiation, Vendor Relations and Strategic Management, the BSM will take on the management of well-established categories or subcategories in the Center of Excellence.
Scope
Number of Associates Supervised: Directly: 0 Indirectly: 0
- Will vary by level and complexity of category
- May provide work direction to BSS role(s)
- Bachelor’s degree preferred. Relevant work experience required.
Analytical Skills: Must have a strong knowledge base in supermarket retail and an understanding of consumer behavior in relation to product performance; must carry a detailed understanding of cause-effect relations between operational levers and performance (assortment/price vs. volume/margins) by utilizing financial, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and/or consumer research background. Strong planning and organizational skills.
Management Skills: Experience in successfully leading, motivating and monitoring performance; strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to partner with the banners as a team.
P&L Responsibilities: Proven understanding of financial reports, including prior experience with profit and loss (P&L) statement responsibility
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside of the company.
Technical skills: Well developed computer aptitude with proficient skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Must be able to adapt to and learn new systems quickly.
Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to work successfully across all areas of the company; can successfully monitor performance; strong client management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to influence and lead effective partnerships with the banners; can thrive in a complicated matrix environment.
Innovation Skills: Champions new ideas and initiatives and creates an environment that supports innovation; leverages fresh perspectives, breakthrough ideas, and new paradigms to create value in the market.
Strategic Skills: Demonstrate ability to understand and think big picture; develop and deliver category plans and programs that compliment both the corporate and departmental strategies leading to strong category sales and profit performance.
Physical Environment
- Some work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
- Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
- Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
- Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.
- Some travel may be required
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.
