Summary:

The Category Manager is responsible for the selection of vendors, items, programs and services to generate sales and drive financial growth across Company retail locations. This role manages the ongoing implementation, execution, maintenance and measurement of all elements within assigned product categories.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage all category expenditures and budgeted targets; manage variances and communicate developments in performance and trends to management. Create action plans for improvement or continuation of positive performance and results.
• Monitor the industry and competitive landscape. Analyze internal data such as sales & pricing. Identify patterns and market trends to refine product strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally by developing and maintaining key business relationships and communication with Operations, Marketing, Finance and outside vendors or suppliers to effectively manage existing and implement new products, programs and category initiatives.
• Manage key vendor relationships including, but not limited to, contract negotiations, rebate processing and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Works with Operational field management to grow the category through effective programs that enhance the brand image.
• Stays current with legislation and regulation changes or requirements that may affect a product or service in our geographies.
• Works with leadership to create cost-reduction strategies and savings plan.
• Responsible for price-book management including new item setup, maintenance and promotional activities for assigned departments.
• Responsible for plan-o-gram development with Supply Partner assistance.
• Procure and install merchandising fixtures required for assigned categories.
• Responsible for in-market activity including new store set-up, resets and promotional activity execution.
• Embodies personal leadership qualities through the following: Be in the moment to ensure authentic and humanistic interactions. Continuously volunteers discretionary effort and models desired behaviors to drive business results while also leveraging and respecting separate realities. Be curious in interactions, has courageous conversations with others when needed, and takes personal accountability for all responsibilities.
• Demonstrates and embodies the following company values throughout the course of employment: 1) Guest Ready, 2) Honor & Value, 3) Quick, Clean & Convenient, 4) Ownership, 5) Team-Focused.
• Possesses a service mindset; strives to achieve experiences worth repeating.
• Participates in and follows all Toot’n Totum policies, guidelines and procedures (Safety, Anti-Harassment, Ethics, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Possess an understanding of the retail customer.
• Effective project management skills; experience at managing organization change to deliver planned results to all stakeholders.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Excellent conflict resolution skills; strong self-concept and ability to make decisions.

· Excellent organizational and time management skills; keen attention to detail.

• Acts with integrity and professionalism.
• Experience with MS Office suite; intermediate to advanced knowledge of MS Excel preferred.
• 25% Travel is required; day travel on a regular basis, overnight travel on occasion.
• Irregular hours and weekends will be required according to the needs of the business.

Education & Experience:

· 1-3 years of experience in convenience, grocery or truck stop retail merchandising required.

• PDI University classes for price book will be required. Training will be paid for by the company.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to sit (10%), stand (50%), walk (20%), kneel/squat (10%) and bend (10%).

· Ability to push, lift and pull up to 75lbs.

· Ability to move and position self to operate under, near and around merchandise components, fixtures gondolas, vault shelves, uprights & glides, etc.

· Position requires grasping and utilizing manual dexterity including hand/finger coordination and the utilization of color vision.

· Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person