Job Description

The purpose of this job is to lead a category team and manage a category (or categories) of products with the goal of increasing sales and gross profit dollars.

1. Develop annual category plan and three-year strategic vision for each category; write and present annual budget plan to senior team
2. Review category monthly and yearly performance financials and monthly review of profit and loss (P&L) performance
3. Drive category review planning and presentation with direct report category team and support teams
4. Maintain in-depth knowledge of all contracts and obligations to ensure that both Pilot Flying J (PFJ) and vendor adhere to the agreed-upon term and spirit of the contract or agreement
5. Nurture a "service" attitude with assigned team to ensure operations and field teams are supported at the highest level
6. Participate in industry events that add value to business planning process
7. Visit stores to engage customers and team members in category directional feedback on products and promotions
8. Lead vendor process including review of new products, business planning, cost negotiations, RFP execution, and supply chain management
9. Maintain active involvement in inventory management and controls
10. Study industry and category trends to support planning and development process
11. Supervise and provide daily oversight of direct reports; select, coach, train, and develop direct reports, to include appraising job performance and conducting performance reviews
12. Model behaviors that support the company’s common purpose; ensure guests and team members are supported at the highest level
13. Ensure all activities are in compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
14. Complete other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate required
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study preferred
• Minimum three years’ category management preferred
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
• Tobacco Category: Minimum of five years’ experience in tobacco category merchandising and management required
• Food and Beverage Categories: Minimum five years’ experience in food service or beverage service category merchandising and management required
• Ability to think strategically and analytically in day-to-day decisions and long-range planning
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and mentor others on the team to do the same
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively on tasks
• Strong and effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Ability to model agility and work effectively in a fast-paced, frequently changing business environment
• Ability to adapt to new technologies

Additional Information

• Travel required less than 25%, overnight may be required
• General office work requiring sitting or standing for long periods of time