Sr Manager, Category-Food

Pilot Company•Knoxville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this job is to lead a category team and manage a category (or categories) of products with the goal of increasing sales and gross profit dollars. This role involves developing and owning annual category plans and strategic visions, managing budgets, reviewing financial performance, and leading vendor relationships. The position also requires store visits for customer feedback, active involvement in inventory management, and staying updated on industry trends. A key aspect is supervising and developing direct reports, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with various internal teams like culinary, innovation, brand, marketing, and operations to achieve profit goals and ensure operational excellence.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent certificate required
Minimum five years’ category management
Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
Minimum five years’ experience in food service or beverage service category management required
Ability to think strategically and analytically in day-to-day decisions and long-range planning
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and mentor others on the team to do the same
Ability to work independently or collaboratively on tasks
Strong and effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills
Ability to model agility and work effectively in a fast-paced, frequently changing business environment
Ability to adapt to new technologies
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and own annual category plan and three-year strategic vision for each category; write and present annual budget plan to senior team
Review category monthly and yearly performance financials and monthly review of profit and loss (P&L) performance
Drive category review planning and presentation with direct report category team and support teams
Maintain in-depth knowledge of all contracts and obligations to ensure that both Pilot Flying J (PFJ) and vendor adhere to the agreed-upon term and spirit of the contract or agreement
Participate in industry events that add value to business planning process
Visit stores to engage customers and team members in category directional feedback on products and promotions
Lead vendor process including review of new products, business planning, cost negotiations, RFP execution, and supply chain management
Maintain active involvement in inventory management and controls
Study industry and category trends to support planning and development process
Supervise and provide daily oversight of direct reports; select, coach, train, and develop direct reports, to include appraising job performance and conducting performance reviews
Model behaviors that support the company’s common purpose; ensure guests and team members are supported at the highest level
Ensure all activities are in compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Complete other duties as assigned
Partner with culinary, innovation, and brand teams to deliver annual profit plan
Partner with operations teams to ensure training and operational excellence
Collaborate with brand and marketing teams on promotions and merchandising strategy
Develop category business plans including product assortment, pricing, LTO’s, and promotional calendars
Ownership and cross collaboration across food & beverage category teams