Category and Space Planning Manager

The Opportunity

The Category and Space Planning Manager is responsible for optimizing product assortment, shelf space, and store layout to maximize sales, profitability, and customer experience. This role combines category management expertise with space planning and merchandising strategy, using data analysis and planogram tools to drive decisions across the retail footprint.

What you'll do

· Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business and merchandising goals

· Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to identify opportunities for assortment optimization

· Create and maintain planograms and floor plans using space planning software (e.g., JDA/Blue Yonder, Nielsen Spaceman, RELEX, or similar)

· Partner with buyers, vendors, and store operations teams to determine optimal product placement and shelf allocation

· Conduct market and competitor analysis to inform category and space decisions

· Lead periodic category reviews and space resets across store formats

· Collaborate with supply chain and inventory teams to ensure space plans align with stock levels and replenishment cycles

· Monitor and report on category performance KPIs (sales per square foot, sell-through rate, inventory turns, margin contribution)

· Manage new store layouts, resets, and remodels from a space planning perspective

· Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders

· Ensure compliance with brand standards, visual merchandising guidelines, and store execution requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in category management, space planning, or retail merchandising

• Proficiency with space planning/planogram software (e.g., JDA Space Planning)

• Strong analytical skills with experience in Excel, SQL, or BI tools (Tableau, Power BI)

• Solid understanding of retail metrics (GMROI, sell-through, inventory turns, sales per square foot)

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Success in This Role

• Projects are delivered accurately on time and with clear ownership across all participating vendors.

• Walmart stakeholders receive concise, objective insights and recommendations that are easy to act on.

• Vendor communication is organized, professional and consistent, with risks and decisions documented early.

• Category deliverables meet high standards for data quality, analytical rigor, storytelling and presentation readiness.

• Processes become more efficient through stronger planning, reusable tools and disciplined follow-up.

Core Competencies

Strategic and analytical thinking

Attention to detail with a strong visual/spatial sense

Data-driven decision making

Collaboration and cross-functional influence

Adaptability in a dynamic retail environment