Example SOPs: Category Manager

Category Manager SOPs

Creating Standard Operating Procedures for your Category Manager work can be difficult and take time. That’s why we’ve created these example Category Manager SOPs so you can jumpstart your SOP creation process. We want to help you set up your Retail systems and processes by taking these sample SOPs and building out your own SOPs template library. By having all your Retail procedures in one place, your team will have the information they need at all times. Let’s look at some Category Manager SOP examples.

Category Manager SOP Examples

1. SOP: Vendor Selection and Evaluation
Purpose: This SOP outlines the process for selecting and evaluating vendors to ensure they meet the company’s quality and performance standards. It includes criteria for vendor assessment, such as financial stability, product quality, delivery capabilities, and compliance with ethical and legal requirements. The purpose is to ensure that the company partners with reliable and reputable vendors to maintain a high level of product quality and customer satisfaction.
Scope: This SOP applies to the Category Manager responsible for vendor selection and evaluation within the retail industry.
Person Responsible: Category Manager
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to vendor management, such as Vendor Onboarding and Vendor Performance Evaluation.

2. SOP: Assortment Planning
Purpose: The Assortment Planning SOP outlines the process for determining the optimal product assortment for each category based on market trends, customer preferences, and sales data analysis. It includes steps for conducting market research, analyzing sales data, identifying gaps in the product assortment, and making informed decisions on product selection and assortment size. The purpose is to ensure that the company offers a well-curated and profitable product mix that meets customer demands and maximizes sales.
Scope: This SOP applies to the Category Manager responsible for assortment planning within the retail industry.
Person Responsible: Category Manager
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to market research, sales data analysis, and product selection.

3. SOP: Pricing Strategy
Purpose: The Pricing Strategy SOP outlines the process for determining the pricing strategy for each category of products. It includes factors to consider, such as market competition, product costs, target customer segment, and desired profit margins. The SOP provides guidelines for setting initial prices, conducting price adjustments, and monitoring price performance. The purpose is to ensure that the company’s pricing strategy aligns with market dynamics, maximizes profitability, and remains competitive.
Scope: This SOP applies to the Category Manager responsible for pricing strategy within the retail industry.
Person Responsible: Category Manager
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to pricing analysis, competitor pricing, and price adjustment procedures.

4. SOP: Promotional Planning and Execution
Purpose: The Promotional Planning and Execution SOP outlines the process for planning and executing promotional activities to drive sales and increase customer engagement. It includes steps for identifying promotional opportunities, setting objectives, developing promotional plans, coordinating with marketing teams, and evaluating the effectiveness of promotions. The purpose is to ensure that the company’s promotional efforts are well-coordinated, aligned with business goals, and generate desired results.
Scope: This SOP applies to the Category Manager responsible for promotional planning and execution within the retail industry.
Person Responsible: Category Manager
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to marketing collaboration, promotional budgeting, and post-promotion analysis.

5. SOP: Inventory Management
Purpose: The Inventory Management SOP outlines the process for managing inventory levels, replenishment, and stock rotation within each category. It includes guidelines for forecasting demand, setting safety stock levels, monitoring inventory turnover, and coordinating with suppliers. The purpose is to ensure optimal inventory levels, minimize stockouts, reduce carrying costs, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
Scope: This SOP applies to the Category Manager responsible for inventory management within the retail industry.
Person Responsible: Category Manager
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to demand forecasting, stock replenishment, and supplier coordination.

6. SOP: Category Performance Analysis
Purpose: The Category Performance Analysis SOP outlines the process for analyzing the performance of each category, including sales, profitability, market share, and customer feedback. It includes metrics to track, data sources to utilize, and methods for interpreting the results. The purpose is to provide insights into category performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to optimize category strategies.
Scope: This SOP applies to the Category Manager responsible for category performance analysis within the retail industry.
Person Responsible: Category Manager
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to data analysis, performance metrics, and customer feedback collection.

7. SOP: New Product Introduction
Purpose: The New Product Introduction SOP outlines the process for introducing new products within each category. It includes steps for product evaluation, market testing, pricing determination, promotional planning, and inventory management. The purpose is to ensure a smooth and successful launch of new products, minimize risks, and maximize their potential in the market.
Scope: This SOP applies to the Category Manager responsible for new product introduction within the retail industry.
Person Responsible: Category Manager
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to product evaluation, market testing, pricing strategy, promotional planning, and inventory management

Category Manager SOP Templates

Looking for SOP templates for your Category Manager work? We’ve got you covered. You can build out your company SOPs using the sample SOP information above (added to our template) or our team can put together a starter SOPs template based on your Category Manager work. Get in touch if you’ve got questions about the quickest way to build out your Retail SOPs library.