Senior Category Manager, Fresh Foods and Dispensed Beverage - RaceTrac

RaceTrac Company Overview

Job Description:

The Senior Category Manager, Fresh Foods & Dispensed Beverages is responsible for leading the development of products and programs within multiple categories (Fresh Foods, Bakery, Swirl World, Dispensed). This position collaborates with the executive team to develop strategic goals and create operating policies for review and implementation. This individual uses their analytical and project management skills to manage the ongoing implementation, execution, management, and measurement of all elements of the category. The Senior Category Manager, Fresh Foods & Dispensed Beverages is responsible for the success of existing product platforms as well as ensuring new, innovative product platforms reach RaceTrac stores. This role will involve managing people leaders and cross-functional business partnerships.

Up to 25% travel will be required.

Responsibilities:

• Develops, coaches, and trains the current category teams with a focus on sharing knowledge across the category teams by providing the tools necessary to increase growth.
• Drives profitability and growth within the respective categories by implementing aggressive negotiation tactics, industry leading programs and competitive promotions to drive category sales.
• Manages and is accountable for the financial performance, expenditures, and targets of the categories and analyzes trends in internal sales data and re-evaluates pricing strategy and cost of good structure as necessary.
• Monitors the industry and competitive landscape and market trends to help refine product strategies as well as respond to competitive action.
• Manages all category expenditures, targets, and variances as well as communicates performance and trends to management; creates action plans for improvement or continuation of positive performance and results.
• Responsible for assessing current category offerings, position in the marketplace and responsible for developing and communicating strategies as well as building buy-in across the organization to support the group’s strategic direction in order to execute consistent planning and analytical goals.
• Prioritizes the category team’s project work based on value added to the business and operational need.
• Manages key vendor relationships including, but not limited to, responding to vendor requests, contract negotiations, pricing discrepancies, rebate processing, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Serves as a leader by managing, developing, and mentoring the current category team. Focuses on sharing knowledge and providing the tools necessary to increase growth within the category. Manages and prioritizes the team’s daily tasks.
• Develops cost reduction strategies and savings plans.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Marketing, Procurement, Product Management, Supply Chain or Merchandising highly preferred; Advanced degree preferred
• 5+ years' professional experience in Category Management required
• Managerial experience required; Experience managing people leaders highly preferred
• Demonstrated success managing multiple business objectives and project timelines required
• Strong understanding of the retail industry required; Convenience store industry experience highly preferred