Category Manager Pharmacy

Albertsons LLC - Boise, Idaho

Pharmacy Category Manager

Primary Function:

The Pharmacy Category Manager (PCM) has primary responsibility for all phases of pharmacy procurement. The PCM establishes the overall strategy in order to meet and exceed sales and margin expectations.

The PCM develops a consumer-centric business model by interacting at the broadest level with pharmaceutical manufacturers to create and facilitate programs and create efficiencies across the organization.

The PCM will have leadership and negotiation skills that enable them to successfully work cross-functionally with store pharmacies, pharmacy departments and the Albertsons General Merchandise Team.  This role manages vendor relationships, negotiates terms and manages funds for its category. 

Job Responsibilities and Activities:

Business Planning Responsibilities:

·         Identifies and drives category strategies and initiatives; delivers against period, quarterly and annual forecasts.

·         Develops annual & quarterly category strategy and plans based on evaluation of past performance, consumer and competitive/company trends.

·         Analyzes and develops pharmaceutical integrated business plans in collaboration with vendors and the Albertsons General Merchandise Team.

·         Develops innovative new products, programs, and processes to deliver industry differentiation within category.  Establishes new product launch distribution plans.

·         Reviews competitive activity and adjusts programs and tactics accordingly.

·         Coordinates vendor sponsored programs with Patient Care Services, Pharmacy Operations, Pharmacy Learning & Development, Pharmacy Managed Care and the Albertsons General Merchandise Team.

o   Some examples:

§  Diabetic Meter/Supplies Marketing

§  Counter Mat ad sales

§  Prescription bag marketing

·         Management of LDM, Adheris and PDX RMS programs. 

·         Establishes and manages Reverse Distribution relationship with vendor and liaison to stores.

·         Active role in managing Persistence and Compliance Programs and coordinating vendor activity with the Pharmacy Patient Care Services team.

·         Acts as a liaison to the Albertsons General Merchandise Team to assist with pharmacy related categories.

o   Medicare B rebate contracting with diabetic category.

·         Partner with Own Brands regarding pharmacy initiatives.

Sourcing Responsibilities:

·         Cultivates effective relationships with vendors and leads national vendor negotiations. Establishes and manages the vendor funds strategy.

·         Establishes strategic relations with key suppliers that lead to new consumer and industry insights.

·         Coordinates vendor meetings, funding and priorities with Pharmacy Specialty Care to ensure maximization of vendor funding and programs.

Job Requirements:

1.    Education, Certification, and Relevant Experience

a.    B.S. of Pharmacy or PharmD degree from an accredited school of pharmacy

2.    Working knowledge of pharmacy procurement.

3.    Pharmacy Operations: Has an in-depth understanding of store and pharmacy operations and merchandising methodologies and practices (P&L, financial management, etc).  Minimum 3 years’ experience as a pharmacy manager.

4.    Analytical Skills: Must have a strong knowledge base in supermarket retail pharmacy and an understanding of consumer behavior in relation to product performance; must carry a detailed understanding of cause-effect relations between operational levers and performance by utilizing financial, statistical, merchandising, marketing, and/or consumer research background. Strong financial background.

5.    Interpersonal/Management Skills: Proven ability to work successfully across all areas and levels of the company; can successfully monitor performance; strong management skills, particularly working with vendors; ability to influence and lead effective partnerships within the enterprise; can thrive in a complicated matrix environment.

6.    Innovation: Champions new ideas and initiatives and creates an environment that supports innovation; leverages fresh perspectives, breakthrough ideas, and new paradigms to create value in the market.

7.    Negotiation Skills: Must demonstrate ability to negotiate contracts and terms in order to gain maximum advantage for costs and vendor funding opportunities. Experience in developing complicated and national contracts.

8.    Strategic Skills: Demonstrate ability to understand and think big picture; delivers category plans and programs that compliment both the corporate and departmental strategies leading to strong category sales and profit performance.

9.    Self-Motivation/Decision Making: Experienced in taking initiative and making decisive, timely and appropriate decisions.

10.  Marketing: Marketing experience or proven results working with a marketing department or organization. 

11.  Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside of the company.

12.  Influence: Experience with achieving results without direct authority and implementing programs across multiple stakeholders. 

13.  Computer Proficiency: Knowledge of Microsoft Office and working knowledge of Planograms and schematics.