Category Manager

Req ID: 69961

BASIC PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this position is to make business decisions on product placement for tobacco items in a Multi-State environment and to manage other key consumer goods categories that will be assigned based upon skill set.  They would make decisions and assist with strategies to support our company goals for Sales and Margin.  The individual would work regularly with store operations on key initiatives and be able to critically evaluate/analyze buying decisions across 400+ stores. 

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and manage business strategies that include retail sales dollars and margin plans to meet company goals. 
• Retail pricing strategies and contract negotiations for all stores in the assigned categories.
• Drive development and innovation of future growth plans in assigned categories.
• Work with various internal and/or external departments of Loves Field Operations on execution of retail decisions, plan-a-gram implementation, training, product launches, etc.
• Evaluate the P&L for opportunities of improvement and analyze data on key areas related to Category responsibilities.
• Must be detail oriented and be able to manage the flow of rebates or funding elements that support programs.
• Must be able to travel and do store reviews to maximize execution with store operations. 
• Must have strong relationship and personal skills that help to maximize vendor/manufacture relationships to secure the best cost or marketing/merchandising programs for Loves. These programs must maximize our sales and margin.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to train operations on key initiatives and training videos
• Ability to work with and use electronic reporting tools (Manthan) to analyze purchase and sales trends on key areas of responsibilities and to support the DMM's in the field with execution of merchandising programs.
• There will be some physically activity that will require lifting and merchandising of various items throughout the store.
• Other duties assigned as needed.

   

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Management/Management or related field is recommended, but not required.
• Experience:
  • 3 to 5 or more years of experience in convenience store management of Tobacco products, consumer goods category buyer / manager, or similar analytical experience.

     

    SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Skills:
  • Hard Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets, Power point knowledge, and software including database applications
  • Soft Skills: Strong verbal and oral communication skills, keen attention to detail, ability to multi task, strong organization skills, flexible, good relationship skills with all other departments, makes presentations to various levels of management, and be self-motivated to take on additional tasks as needed.
• Typical Physical Demands:
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

•  

Clean Places, Friendly Faces. It's been the guiding principle at Love's for more than 50 years, and it's leading us into the future. We're passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities stocked with plenty of fuel, food and supplies. Love's has two primary kinds of stores. Our 'Country Stores' are fueling stations with a convenience store attached. The larger 'Travel Stops' are located on interstate highways and offer additional amenities such as food from popular restaurant chains, trucking supplies, showers and more.