Position Title: Food Service Category Leader
Job Description: This position leads the execution of marketing strategy at the category level. A successful Food Service Category Leader contributes to the profitability of retail locations by increasing the volume of products that are sold within the category, and improving the speed of inventory turnover within the category
Reports To: Marketing Manager
Job Purpose: TheFood Service Category Leader is an in-store expert in the merchandising, pricing, management, and sales of a certain group or type of products. As the expert of a specific category of products, the in-depth knowledge of the category manager will drive the pricing, shelving, marketing and promotions of the category's products in order to make them as visible, accessible, and appealing to customers as possible. Food Service Category Leader will act as the key liaison between suppliers, store managers, marketing staff and operations. They are responsible for meeting or exceeding sales, margin, and corporate goals. Promote and abide by the high standards and maintain regulatory and company compliances while upholding the highest standards of safety.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensure execution of marketing programs through:
Development of promotions
Determining product pricing at retail level
Deciding upon product mix and merchandising
Negotiating contracts with suppliers
Research and implementation of merchandising using effective methods. Develops and communicates inventory management & sales audit policies & best practices to the stores.
Primary contact for all product related issues from stores or suppliers.
Work with operations, site General Managers and marketing staff to ensure merchandising and product implementation is executed at store level.
Effectively solve problems occurring from stores or suppliers. Explore new marketing techniques.
Find ways to add profitability to categories beyond product margin and traditional supplier funding. Evaluate and analyze promotional effectiveness.
Develop cross category promotions with counterparts to maximize sales and margin.
Effectively negotiate with suppliers to secure promotional funding and merchandising assistance. Develop product mix and planograms to maximize sales.
Adjust pricing on regular basis to maintain competitive advantage and maximize margins. Implement programs that reduce product waste.
Perform any other duties that are assigned by management.
Skills/Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree in business, marketing or related field preferred
3-5 years of retail vendor management, marketing & merchandising experience strongly preferred. Gas station/convenience store experience strongly preferred
An analytical mind with a strategic ability and understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods Proficient in MS Office
Ability to take initiatives and strategy execution. Have strong passion for customer service while utilizing exceptional people skills and have a desire to excel in everything you do.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
Execution-focused and detail-oriented with great organizational & problem solving skills. Ability to prioritize and multi- task.
Maintain a disciplined and integrated approach to increase profitability and improving the speed of inventory turnover within the category
Uphold company standards in personal appearance, work ethic, and customer service.
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