Category Manager

Who We Are:
Schwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ| NEO: SHWZ) is building a premier, vertically integrated regional cannabiscompany with assets in Colorado and New Mexico. The parent company of aportfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale,Schwazze is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant toimprove the human condition. Schwazze is anchored by a high-performanceculture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test,measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. Schwazze is passionate aboutmaking a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, anddoing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.

For more information, please visit ourwebsite:
www.schwazze.com

Job Title: Category / Assistant Category Manager

Reports to: Director, Merchandising & Procurement

Salary Range: $55-85k based on experience and final salary band, commensurate with title

Location: Denver, CO (local candidates only; no remote candidates will be considered)

Position Objective:
Schwazze is looking to fill multiple roles within the category management function as part of our merchandising & procurement team.
The primary objective of the Category/Assistant Category Manager is to lead the execution of category strategy with specific suppliers to deliver solutions that drive category growth ahead of the market. The position is key to driving our Star Buds retailer growth and profitability throughout Colorado. A key measure of success is the development of a long-term category partnership with suppliers that result in a reduction in COGS by leveraging deep consumer, category, and customer understanding. The Category/Assistant Category Manager is directly responsible for the implementation and execution of all aspects of category management strategy with suppliers as it relates to supporting Star Buds retail dispensary locations. This is a cross-functional role that requires excellent strategic thinking, analytical skills, relationship-building skills, and the ability to get things done with high attention to detail.

Essential Functions:

• Develop a relationship with suppliers as the trusted advisor and expert in CPG and/or Flower categories
• Manage the category review process for CPG and/or Flower categories and present shelf recommendations that drive category growth
• Provide detailed category analysis, insights and actionable recommendations in the areas of product assortment, placement, pricing and promotion that will drive category and product growth for Star Buds
• Negotiate cost of goods and supplier-sponsored promotions/initiatives system-wide, with bandwidth and abilities to grow with company
• Utilizing customized, fact-based selling tools and selling stories that support product growth initiative, provide insights to suppliers on promotions and initiatives that drive specific brand growth as well as overall category growth
• Set performance targets and proactively identify opportunities based on in-depth understanding of the products, categories and position in marketplace
• Know your product P&L. Work with cross-functional partners to set product pricing, analyze and set margin targets, and understand and communicate variances to profit
• Complete monthly or quarterly reporting including sales and consumer data analysis, trend research, competitive profiling, distribution gap analysis, and more
• Align with Retail to close biggest opportunities for brand and customer growth
• Facilitate buying process working with ACM and MDA, ensuring attention to detail in item creation and set up in POS systems and ERP to ensure master data integrity, maintaining processes to support the data quality
• Coordination between Retail, Merchandising, and Accounting to ensure proper accounting and itemization through the product lifecycle, and support/address discrepancies between Sage X3, Cova, and METRC
• Track and maintain supplier funding logs and marketing tier program participation

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3-7+ years of experience in an analytical or marketing setting, strategic sourcing, contract management, procurement, commodities management, and/or new product development capacity in: CPG, food and/or beverage categories
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated success
• Knowledge of category management best practices
• Big plus: Prior experience in CPG and/or knowledge of cannabis industry, terminology and products
• Hands on experience in analyzing and deriving insights from business intelligence tools
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams, serving as the primary communication hub for projects between Retail, R&C, Finance, Procurement and Manufacturing
• Proficient in using Excel, BI Tools, PowerPoint, POS systems and querying database
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active MED badge in the state of Colorado

Specific Job Skills and Experience:

• Influencing Skills: Proven track record of influencing within cross-functional relationships with key decision makers
• Relationship Building Skills: Ability to develop strong long-term client/supplier relationships
• Analytical Skills: Ability to successfully integrate different streams of information into sound propositions; Willingness to learn new skills and tools to improve process and the job function
• Technical Skills: Attention to detail and comfortable with data analysis and review
• Problem Solving: Able to synthesize complex information into critical insights and eager to tackle tough problems
• Communication: Able to clearly communicate effectively with all levels of management and lead cross-functional team integration efforts
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Provides and welcomes feedback; Values the success of team above own interests

Working Conditions:

• Schedule will Vary Depending on the needs of the business (Nights, Weekends, Holidays included)
• Travel expected to be minimal, as required

Schwazze is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Location: 4880 Havana Street,Denver,CO,80239, Denver, CO 80239

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year