Director - Category Management, Bottled Beverages - Atlanta GA - salary to $180K

• Relocation Assistance Available

• Director level roles typically 4-5 days in office.
• Travel also involved. Up to 20% travel is required.

• The Category Management Director, Bottled Beverages, is responsible for creating an operational environment that drives development, profitability, and strategic growth for the firm’s bottled beverages business.
• This leader partners closely with the executive team to set long‑term goals, establish operating policies, and ensure consistent execution across planning, analytics, and operations.
• The Director leads a cross‑functional team, strengthens key vendor and wholesaler relationships, and ensures the firm maintains a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
• Up to 20% travel is required.

• Serves as the point of contact and voice of the Category Management department for planning and operations.
• Develops, coaches, and trains the current assigned Category Management team.  Focuses on sharing knowledge and providing the tools necessary to increase department growth and exposure. Encourages continuous two-way feedback from all team members.
• Partners cross functionally with all members of the Category Management team to align strategic direction in order to execute consistent planning and analytical goals.
• Drives profitability and growth within assigned categories by implementing aggressive negotiation tactics, industry leading programs and competitive promotions to drive category sales.
• Ensures all contract negotiation strategies are in line with the best interest of the company.
• Assesses category offerings, develops and communicates strategies, and prioritizes the category team’s tactical work.
• Creates, plans, and executes appropriate financial and guest service goals for the assigned teams.
• Communicates strategies and gains alignment across departments impacted by category programs.
• Directs the development of analytical tools to manage product mix, cost, retails, and to determine promotional strategies.  
• Strengthens key vendor relationships to maximize the firm’s position in the marketplace.
• Approves, prioritizes, and monitors all category expenditures.
• Develops and maintains key business relationships with cross functional departments on a regular basis to ensure strategic alignment.
• Drives process improvement strategies that increase efficiencies and simplify our Guests’ and Associates’ lives.

• Serves as the primary point of contact and voice of the Bottled Beverages Category Management department for planning and operations.
• Develops, coaches, and trains the assigned Category Management team, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support needed for growth.
• Encourages continuous two‑way feedback and fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Leads a fully staffed, established team and provides strong leadership through change and evolving business needs.

• Drives profitability and growth within assigned categories through aggressive negotiation tactics, industry‑leading programs, and competitive promotions.
• Owns full P&L accountability, including financial goal setting, margin decisions, and category performance.
• Approves, prioritizes, and monitors all category expenditures.
• Assesses category offerings, develops strategic plans, and prioritizes tactical work for the team.
• Creates, plans, and executes financial and Guest service goals aligned with the firm’s standards.

• Ensures all contract negotiation strategies align with the best interests of the firm.
• Directly negotiates pricing, programs, and contracts with suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Strengthens key vendor relationships to maximize the firm’s position in the marketplace.
• Navigates state‑specific regulations and manages multiple wholesalers in a direct‑to‑store delivery environment.

• Partners cross‑functionally with all members of the Category Management team and other departments to align strategic direction.
• Communicates category strategies clearly and gains alignment across departments impacted by category programs.
• Develops and maintains key business relationships across the organization to ensure strategic alignment and operational execution.

• Directs the development of analytical tools to manage product mix, cost, retail pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Uses data to drive decision‑making and optimize category performance.
• Drives process improvement strategies that increase efficiencies and simplify life for both Guests and Associates.

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university.
• 7 years of professional experience in category management, procurement, product management, merchandising, or logistics.
• Supervisory/managerial experience leading teams.
• Demonstrated ownership of a P&L with strong financial acumen.
• Direct experience negotiating pricing, programs, or contracts with suppliers or wholesalers.
• Experience working with or within the retail industry (retailer‑side experience strongly preferred).
• Ability to lead through change and manage a high‑volume, fast‑moving category.

• Project management skills.
• Experience navigating state‑specific regulations and working across multiple wholesalers/distributors.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence and clarity to “connect the dots” across teams and influence decision‑making.

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Salary : $146,200 - $180,000