Director - Category Management, Retail Industry

Intermedia Group • Atlanta, GA

21h • $146,200 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director