Category Manager, Center Store

Minuteman Food Mart - Category Manager for Center Store

Join us as we grow together personally and professionally!  Four Generations of family leadership continue to make it our vision to leave people better than we found them.  We are more than an oil company, convenience store or restaurant, we are a family!  We are improving the lives of those we touch every day by valuing the customer, caring for our 1000 team members, and supporting our communities that we are honored to serve.   

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Category Manager for Center Store is responsible for managing and optimizing the product assortment for all center store categories within Minuteman Food Mart convenience stores. This includes snacks, candy, packaged grocery, non-food, and general merchandise. The role involves strategic planning, analysis, and execution of merchandising strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction in these categories. A detailed Job Description will be available when you begin employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Begin building your career and apply now for these great benefits! 

BENEFITS OVERVIEW 

• Family first atmosphere  

• Benefits to fit your needs: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 401k 

• Competitive Total Compensation Plans with 401k match  

• Paid time off in your first year 

• Team first environment 

• Paid Gym Memberships 

• Remote work in select roles 

• Monthly teambuilding exercises 

• Everyday Pay if needed 

• Flexible Schedules to attend family events 

• Professional Training 

• Advancement opportunities 

• Leadership Training 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

1. Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy for all center store products (snacks, candy, packaged grocery, non-food, and general merchandise), aligning with overall business objectives and market trends. 

2. Product Assortment Management: Curate and manage the center store product assortment, ensuring a diverse range of items that meet customer preferences while optimizing space and inventory. 

3. Sales and Performance Analysis: Monitor category performance through sales data analysis, identifying trends, and making informed decisions to enhance product offerings and pricing strategies. 

4. Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts, pricing, and promotional opportunities to drive category growth. 

5. Promotional Planning: Plan and execute promotional campaigns and in-store merchandising strategies to boost visibility and sales of center store products. 

6. Market Research: Conduct market research and competitor analysis to stay informed of industry trends and consumer preferences, adjusting strategies as needed. 

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure effective execution of category initiatives and alignment with overall business goals. 

8. Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels for center store products, ensuring efficient stock management and minimizing waste while meeting customer demand. 

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus. 

• Experience: Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or product management within center store categories, preferably in retail or convenience store environments. 

• Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Proven ability to collaborate across teams and manage relationships. 

• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in category management software, retail analytics tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Creativity and Innovation: A track record of developing and implementing successful category strategies that drive sales and enhance customer experience. 

• Customer Focus: Strong understanding of customer needs and preferences in center store categories, with a commitment to delivering exceptional shopping experience. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Office environment and field visits are required. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, hear, use hands to type data, operate business equipment, and dial the telephone. They are regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and lift up to 30 lbs. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.