Overview This position is responsible for the development and implementation of a business plan that aligns and delivers against department and company strategies and goals using a customer mindset with oversight from a senior category manager for one category. The Associate Category Manager plans, owns and directs all aspects of assortment planning, product development, merchandising, sourcing, marketing, pricing, and promotions. This position is responsible for the achievement of financial goals through everyday business management and the execution of a long-term strategic vision that includes a regional market perspective. Overview of Responsibilities Develop and execute a long- and short-range customer focused category plan including contingency plans: Improves upon product innovation, product quality, produce availability, presentation, packaging, costing, and pricing for the purpose of exceeding goals and sustained long term growth. Actively manage sales, margin and turn plan of assigned category: Actively anticipates challenges and proactively seeks solutions. Approach with curiosity. Engage with all daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports: Balance data with instinct in decision making. Competitive analysis: Audit competitive product selection, displays, marketing and pricing through on-site and online visits and market research. Leverage customer and market insights to ensure that the category strategy is aligned with consumer preferences and evolving market trends. Lead cross functional teams: Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships internally and with suppliers. Effective communication and coaching to provide direction on how to deliver category strategy and influence change. Provide the stores with relevant data and instructions to make informed decisions and how to maximize profitability. Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, conferences for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information to perform functions. Support department resets as appropriate. Ensure that all federal, state, and company regulations and standards for product freshness, safety, refrigeration, and sanitation are met. Utilize senior category manager for guidance and align on strategies and actions. #LI-CS1 Qualifications Preferred bachelor's degree in business or related field with a minimum of three years (3) of merchandising or business planning experience Previous buying/negotiating experience preferred. Requires long-term strategic and financial planning skills and a curious mindset. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook Ability to preserve confidentiality of information, communicate with all levels of management and work within strict periods and resolute deadlines. Complete understanding of P/L statements, general ledgers, and margins Some travel required. Benefits In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include: Competitive pay Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health Vacation accrual plan Opportunities for career growth 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts Flexible schedules Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match Company paid life insurance Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun! Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits: Bonus based on company and/or individual performance Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision Health Savings Account with company match Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care Company paid short-term disability coverage Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers Paid holidays Get Paid Every Day! Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you’re hired as an eligible employee, you’ll be able to transfer the money you’ve already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free. We offer DailyPay so you don’t have to wait for payday to access the money you’ve already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you’ve made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday. You can learn more by visiting https://www.dailypay.com/partners/sprouts-farmers-market/. Why Sprouts Grow with us! If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts’ management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance. California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.