Category Director- Sporting Goods

Description

Position Title: Category Director – Sporting Goods

Classification: Exempt                  
Reports To: Chief Merchandising Officer

Who We Are:

Mid-States Distributing ("Mid-States") is the leading Farm, Ranch, and Home Retail Cooperative. Our company is owned by 31 independent Farm, Ranch & Home retailers (“Members”) who operate over 800 stores in 36 states and 9 Canadian provinces with combined annual sales in excess of 7.5 billion dollars.  Our member/owners retail items such as agriculture parts & supplies, petroleum products, hardware & tools, pet food, lawn & garden, animal health supplies, apparel & footwear, sporting goods, and various other products for the Farm, Ranch, and Home.

We are looking for competitive people who like to win big and have fun doing it.  We place a tremendous amount of emphasis on creating a unique and positive company culture.  Most of our employees will tell you this is the best place they’ve ever worked.  We value high-energy people who like to work hard and play hard.  Our consumers are primarily rural people raising “kids, pets, cows, and crops” so traditional values like God, family, and patriotism are important virtues around here.  So, if you are enthusiastic and competitive, have a great attitude, have good communication skills, build relationships, love to win, and like ice cream – Mid-States is the place for you!  If you are not, please apply with our competitors! 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are looking for an experienced Sporting Goods Director for this high-profile role within our organization.  Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the Sporting Goods Category and has experience developing go-to-market recommendations and strategies. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and create impactful selling stories.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage overall strategy for the Sporting Goods categories (Hunting, Shooting Sports, Fishing, & Camping).
• Manage the P/L for the Sporting Goods Unit.
• Manage and develop strong vendor relationships and negotiate competitive programs with suppliers.
• Identify, negotiate, and execute centralized sourcing, purchasing, and distribution opportunities thru Mid-States Warehouse.
• Drive a growing Private Brand strategy and effectively manage cross-functional execution from inception to implementation.
• Build & maintain strong relationships with Mid-States ownership, key executives, and buying teams.
• Become the go-to expert for market strategy, retail execution, and overall category knowledge.
• Continuously look for new supplier opportunities to deliver the best brand portfolio for our members, competitive pricing and programs, and industry best Show Specials at our Mid-States tradeshows.
• Develop impactful category analysis and consumer insights using a range of data sources to impact sales.
• Manage vendor contracts to ensure timely receipt of rebates and promotional funding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Industry and category management experience needed.
• 10 years’ experience in the Sporting Goods category and 5 years working directly with the category director function.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge of customer-centric retailing principles and the analytics of customer purchase behavior
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in the sporting goods industry
• Experience in sourcing, product development, and building strategic go-to-market plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including prioritizing, scheduling, and time management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean environment.  The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, stooping, and significant fine finger dexterity.

TRAVEL:
Some travel is involved. Including, but not limited to, National Trade Shows, Mid-States events, and Member and Supplier meetings.

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Here are a few words from our COO:

Mid-States is truly the best company I have ever worked for.  We strive to provide a unique, exciting, fulfilling work environment for our staff.  We are cautious when we hire because we want to protect that environment.  Drama, laziness, and entitlement have no place in Mid-States.  Our company is very financially sound and growing like crazy.  If you are an enthusiastic, high-energy person with a positive attitude and the skills described above, you may have just found the last job you will ever apply for.  I look forward to meeting you. – Jeff    

Qualifications