Category Director

Join a growing team at Houchens Food Group, Inc and own your future. Houchens Food Group, Inc (HFG) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Houchens Industries, Inc. Houchens Industries is recognized as one of the largest, most successful, and most diversified 100% wholly owned S Corporation ESOPs in the country.

Houchens Food Group is known within the industry as a fearless innovator and smart competitor, Houchens Food Group leads the way with creative retail formats, outstanding service, and a commitment to the communities we serve. Houchens Food Group has a full roster of brands that are both franchised and owned including, but not limited to: Price Less IGA, Subway, Slim Chickens, Shell, Ace Hardware and more. Houchens Food Group offers a breadth of career opportunities to our employee-owners as well as a competitive compensation and benefits program to lead and support successful careers.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is an in-office position (non remote).

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for category strategy and financial results across multiple categories and retail formats. This position leads and develops a team of Category Managers, drives cross-functional execution, and delivers measurable improvement in sales, gross profit, inventory turns, and shrink while supporting an excellent customer experience. Categories may include, but are not limited to, center store, dairy, frozen, general merchandise, health & beauty, meat, produce, deli, and bakery. The role requires flexibility in a fastchanging retail environment, the ability to manage different sales and gross profit goals by format and zone, and the capability to set clear direction for Category Managers, support staff, and store execution partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop 4–6 Category Managers; set goals, expectations, and performance measures.
• Run weekly business reviews and monthly performance reviews with action plans and accountability.
• Build team capability through training, mentoring, and succession planning.

Strategy, Assortment, and Merchandising Standards

• Own and evolve category strategies aligned to enterprise priorities and financial targets across formats/zones.
• Direct assortment planning and item lifecycle decisions (onboarding, rationalization, exits) based on customer, sales, and margin opportunities.
• Lead vendor and broker strategy/negotiations (cost, terms, programs, funding) to improve value and profitability.
• Guide everyday and promotional pricing strategy to deliver compelling customer value while protecting margin.
• Oversee merchandising standards (planograms, display/flow guides, selling plans) and ensure accurate, on-time communication to stores.
• Ensure promotional program integrity: item selection, representation, and execution readiness for ads/digital/events.

Vendor, Pricing, and Promotions

• Lead vendor/broker negotiations (cost, terms, programs, funding) and ensure agreements support value and margin.
• Guide pricing and promotional strategy, including product selection for ads/programs and competitor monitoring.

Financial Leadership

• Own reporting cadence and analytics with variance-to-plan and prior-year analysis; elevate risks/opportunities early.
• Partner with Finance on category P&L reviews, accrual accuracy, and vendor funding reconciliation.
• Evaluate ROI of promotions/programs and recommend corrective actions and resource allocation.

Cross-Functional Execution

• Lead cross-functional teams to improve forecasting, ordering, inventory management, and service levels; drive store execution through clear direction and feedback loops.

Store Execution & Continuous Improvement

• Drive store-level execution through store visits, feedback loops, and issue resolution; identify and lead process/system improvements that increase speed and accuracy.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Merchanising, Business Administration, Data Anayltics, or related field.

Experience

• 7 years of category management or retail merchandising experience in Grocery/Convenience and/or multi-format retail.
• 3 years of people leadership experience (direct management of managers strongly preferred).
• Retail experiece required.
• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated experience owning category KPIs and conducting P&L and variance analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel; comfort with reporting tools, dashboards, and data visualization (PowerPoint required).
• Proven negotiation skills and experience managing vendor programs, funding, and contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority to drive measurable results.
• Excellent written and verbal

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Highly analytical with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, changing retail environment with a sense of urgency.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, hold teams accountable, and build alignment.
• Self-starter who works independently while also collaborating effectively across teams.
• Ability to travel for store and vendor visits as needed.
• Point of Sales System Competence Required
• AS400, MS office and other general computer knowledge for developing spreadsheets and presentations.

Other Requirements

Required to always have access to a phone, excellent communication, organization, and planning skills. Ability to train, motivate and supervise management and/or employees to achieve company goals. Extensive knowledge of all company policies. Ability to work or interact with management and/or employees on a professional basis.

BENEFITS:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (retirement plan)