Lead Director – Beverage Category Manager
About The Position
The Beverage portfolio is a dynamic and growing collection of established consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands alongside innovative new products that support both our health and wellness and indulgence-focused strategies. As the Lead Director of Beverage, you will be responsible for driving category growth through strategic leadership, revenue and margin optimization, innovation, and long-term business planning. In this role, you will lead the development and execution of category strategies that deliver business results while identifying opportunities to expand market share, enhance product offerings, and improve profitability. You will cultivate and manage relationships with a broad network of supplier partners, collaborating to develop and execute merchandising, promotional, and innovation plans that support business objectives. The Lead Director of Beverage will oversee a high-performing team consisting of a Director responsible for the Soda category and two analysts, providing coaching, guidance, and strategic direction. This position requires strong cross-functional leadership, analytical expertise, and the ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders to achieve category growth and deliver exceptional customer experience.
Requirements
- 5+ years category management experience, with a track record of meeting, or exceeding, financial objectives and P&L ownership.
- Proven track record of influencing others with and without authority
- Experience building high-performing, successful teams developing key talent. Demonstrated passion for bringing new leaders along and helping them realize their ability to impact the business.
- Experience leading under pressure, adapting to changing dynamics in real time, and finding solutions that satisfy multiple ‘customers’ of the business.
- Experience in leading sophisticated negotiations with large CPG suppliers to develop programs which are mutually beneficial
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, very strong interpersonal and presentation skills and strong executive presence
- Expertise leveraging MS Office Suite, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint capabilities.
- Ability, and willingness, to travel regularly, 20% of time, based on needs of the business
Responsibilities
- Deliver sales and margin goals by capturing market share and thoughtfully managing all lines of the category P&L.
- Create a complex planogram (POG) structure that accounts for equipment needs, innovation, and local brand preferences; manage a complex set of standalone coolers relevant to many top-tier beverage brands.
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts across numerous supplier partners, covering cooler placement, in-store space, and financial obligations.
- Lead and manage vendor relationships, collaborating and negotiating extensively with manufacturers and vendors to ensure brand and product strategies drive sales and profitability, while creating assortments and experiences (physical and digital) that build trust and drive trips with our customers.
- Manage both DSD and DC partnerships, holding them accountable for stocking the required product catalogue, maintaining appropriate in-store service levels, and conducting annual POG updates.
- Foster a strong, collaborative partnership with our Field Merchandise Manager team to ensure flawless execution of merchandising plans — some local — by jointly coordinating in-store merchandising functions.
- Develop and implement category plans (e.g., optimal SKU mix, ExtraCare loyalty program, weekly/seasonal/annual promotional programs) that reflect deep knowledge of our businesses, customers, and clients.
- Initiate and execute strategic promotional and marketing plans by collaborating internally with CVS partners (e.g., Pricing, Promotion, Finance, and Store Operations) and supplier partners.
- Lead and develop colleagues, including Category Managers, Managers, and analysts.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver compelling customer experiences.
- Partner closely with the CVS Digital team to strengthen CVS.com's market position, ensuring omnichannel capabilities are integral to the experience.
- Develop and maintain a strong understanding of current competition, while identifying new competitive opportunities.
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision coverage
- paid time off
- retirement savings options
- wellness programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
