CATEGORY MANAGER – FOOD SERVICE
COMPANY: This is an exciting time to be a part of this Regional Convenience Store chain as they grow, upgrade, and introduce a major contemporary branding initiative.
They are one of the largest independent owners, suppliers, and operators of gas stations and convenience stores in the Western United States. (California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Colorado).
PROFILE: The Category Manager establishes product assortment plan for fresh food service offerings. Responsible for enhancing the product portfolio to increase sales and profits. Execute strategies
that leverages company size, buying power and scope of operations to achieve lowest cost of goods as well as the best assortment and proprietary/exclusive products.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Manages categories listed above to establish optimal product assortment for store locations.
Works with Company management, DSD vendor partners, and other vendors to develop category plans and products which support the company vision, and meet financial budget,
on a quarterly, monthly, and weekly basis.
Develops seasonal schematics working with vendors and partners for all stores in the company
Negotiates annual contracts with key vendors/suppliers
Identify consumer opportunities through external/internal trends, customer feedback, and competitive insights/shops
Manages product development process for his/her categories using defined set of tools and coordinating available resources
Performs on-going verification of plans against budgeted sales and gross profit and develops plans to address any shortfalls.
Develops pricing strategy based upon competitive marketplace environment and store profitability
Develops and communicates information to all levels of the organization via various meetings including company weekly staff meetings and monthly planning meetings.
Works with Merchandising department on local advertising/promotions and POP
Frequent visits with partners on product development, quality of products, current and future assortment and cost. Conduct partner financial review on a quarterly basis.
Ensures that all appropriate product information is completed and set up on the merchandising system, then distributed to field operations.
Manages, evaluates and provides feedback/recommendations to Operations/Merchandising on tests of new products and equipment.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
5+ years of experience in merchandising/category management/procurement required.
Strong negotiation, analytic, presentation and sales skills are a must.
Demonstrated abilities to think strategically about complex issues, leading to thoughtful recommendations and creative action plans.
High level of problem solving skills; must be highly analytical and be able to create/interpret a variety of reports.
Demonstrated success in business development; proven track record of building relationships while developing existing relationships.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external groups including office personnel, vendors, and other customers.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
High comfort level with Microsoft Outlook & Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
Ability to work in a fast-paced, start-up type environment.
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