Category Advisor, Proprietary Food Program

bp • Westlake, OH

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Advisor, Proprietary Food Program provides analytical, operational, and administrative support for the company’s proprietary Deli programs. This role assists in category planning, product development coordination, reporting, vendor communication, and execution support across the Travel Center network. The Category Advisor helps ensure deli offerings meet financial goals, quality expectations, and operational standards by supporting the Senior Manager and cross‑functional teams with data, insights, process management, and field communication.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of experience in category management, merchandising, foodservice operations, or related support roles.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, reporting tools, and financial analysis.
• Solid understanding of foodservice operations, fresh food/deli product handling, or convenience retail.
• Excellent communication and organization skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Experience working with recipes, food costing, theoretical vs. actual margin analysis, or item maintenance systems is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with menu management systems, item databases, or recipe tools.
• Understanding of food safety fundamentals and deli operational workflows.
• Ability to translate data insights into simple, actionable recommendations for operators.
• Experience supporting multi-unit retail or restaurant operations.

Responsibilities

• Category Management & Program Support
• Support the Senior Manager in managing the Deli category, including product assortment, pricing, promotional planning, and menu/item lifecycle management.
• Maintain item files, spec sheets, deli program documentation, and version-controlled menu/planogram tools.
• Assist with category assessments by gathering sales data, cost information, labor inputs, and operational feedback.
• Prepare dashboards, KPI reports, sales summaries, and weekly/monthly performance updates.
• Track test items, pilots, and performance of new deli products across markets and locations.
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Coordinate with Supply Chain on item setup, vendor changes, product transitions, and distribution issues.
• Support Facilities and Operations by maintaining deli equipment standards documentation and helping track equipment needs for remodels or new installations.
• Work with Marketing to update menus, POP materials, digital content, and promotional calendars for deli programs.
• Partner with Technology and Finance to support system updates, recipe management systems, cost files, and reporting accuracy.
• Operational Support & Execution
• Serve as a day‑to‑day contact for field inquiries regarding deli items, product specs, recipes, and process documentation.
• Assist in developing and updating SOPs, training materials, job aids, and operational guides for deli tasks and equipment.
• Help collect operational insights from field teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor food safety feedback, quality concerns, or operational inconsistencies and escalate them appropriately.
• Vendor, Product, & Project Support
• Maintain vendor and product documentation, including contact lists, pricing files, rebate trackers, and program calendars.
• Assist in scheduling vendor presentations, tastings, cuttings, and product reviews.
• Track program timelines, deliverables, and cross‑functional tasks for new item launches or category initiatives.
• Support product setup, recipe documentation, cost modeling, and margin analysis under direction of the Senior Manager.

Benefits

• At TravelCenters of America, we offer leaders the opportunity to take real ownership of nationally scaled businesses and make a visible commercial impact.
• You’ll work in a collaborative, inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where leadership, accountability, and results matter.
• We support the growth and wellbeing of our people through competitive rewards, development opportunities, and benefits designed to meet the needs of modern working lives.
• These benefits can include flexible working options, a generous paid parental leave policy, and excellent retirement benefits, among others!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees