Category Manager
Resume:
Scott Harms
Walnut Grove, California 95690
Home 916-***-****
Cell 925-***-****
**********@*****.***
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/9/781/b78
Objective
Obtain a position that can utilize my experience in creating strategies for growth in sales as well as strong analytical skills that effectively manage said strategies, balanced with strong personal skills that integrate well into many different business settings.
Work Experience
Senior Category Merchant - Seasonal Import
7/2004 - 7/2008
Raleys Inc, West Sacramento, CA
* Primary responsibilities included sourcing new and unique general merchandise seasonal product domestically and abroad for a grocery chain of 125 stores in Northern California.
* Effectively plan and executing new comprehensive seasonal programs working 9-12 months out to achieve all deadlines.
* Creating and executing promotions to drive sales and meet/exceed annual margin goals for the category.
* Managed distribution of outgoing product using sales history and careful monitoring of existing inventory levels.
* Developed and monitored complex pricing strategies for the category to stay price competitive on price sensitive items while maximizing margin opportunities on less sensitive or unique items.
* Coordinated with advertising department all print
advertisements, which included item selection, promotional pricing, creative layout and proofing all copy and images for accuracy and integrity.
* Managed logistics of all import products coming from Asia including letters of credit, container rate negotiations, FOB logistics and documentation, customs and tariff verification and port to facility logistics.
* Managed all aspects of the following inline GM categories: Toys, Greeting Cards, Batteries, DVD sales, Automotive, and Hardware.
National Category Manager
7/2001 - 7/2004
Safeway Inc, Pleasanton, CA
Managed all aspects of each category for 10 different divisions for the following categories:
* Candy - Seasonal, Front End & Inline, House Wares/ Food Storage, Household Cleaning, Insecticides* Negotiated with National and local vendors/brokers item placement with an emphasis to first to market opportunities.
* Analyzed promotional effectiveness in gross sales and profit margin using several internal sales tools as well as IRI data
* Planned promotional calendar 6 – 12 months out and taking into account all funding opportunities from sources such as Brand, FSI drops, Catalina.
* Created timely clear instruction to operations regarding upcoming promotions and store resets/blitzes.
* Planned off shelf opportunities using internal and IRI promotional data to arrive at the correct timing and placement and coordinating with vendor funding, lead time and availability.
Lead Safeway category optimizing sessions (2-3 weeks duration) for all categories listed above. Sessions quantified all changes in price, promotion, and product mix and shelf placement for each of the 10 divisions. Findings presented to all division GM Directors, VP of Corporate GM and Senior VP Sales and Merchandising.
Category Manager GM - Norcal Division
11/1997 - 6/2001
Safeway Inc, Pleasanton, CA
* Managed GM categories for price, promotion, placement and product for 250 stores in the Northern California Division.
Associate Replenishment Buyer
8/1996 - 10/1997
Safeway Inc, Pleasanton, CA
* Managed regular turn and promotional inventory levels in Safeway Tracy Distribution center. Maintained a service goal to the stores of 95% or better fill rate.
Sales/Store Manager
08/1983 – 08/1996
Tri- City Sporting Goods, Fremont, Ca
* Managed everyday operations of a 250,000 sq. ft. retail sporting goods store approximate annual sales of $15 Million.
* Direct report of 10 department heads, overall store employee count approximately 125 employees.
* Responsible for store sales in each of the different departments including sales training, promotion development and purchasing of product from independent wholesalers/companies.
Education
8/1982 - 6/1989
Cal State University Hayward, Hayward, CA
Bachelor's Science Degree Marketing Management
Certifcates
Negotiation Skills Workshop
Management Skills Workshop
Oral Communication Workshop
Intermediate MS Excel Certificate
Advanced MS Excel Certificate
Beginning MS Access Certificate
Contact this candidate