Category Manager

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Participate in the development and lead the execution of the company's business strategy for all assigned categories. Drive revenue/margin growth through effective product selection, merchandising and marketing/promotion. Develop and maintain successful partnerships with vendors to yield optimal financial performance within assigned categories. Participate in vendor negotiations to secure favorable contact terms and product costs to promote competitive pricing and margins. Regularly conduct research to identify industry trends and prepare and present business cases for adding new products/brands where it makes sense. Develop and communicate marketing/promotional/merchandising plans to store operations and help ensure their successful execution. Oversee the company's Pricebook operation, including the timely and accurate entry of data, research and resolution of exceptions/discrepancies/errors and the reporting and analysis of Pricebook data. Other duties as assigned by management. Experience and Education:RequiredMinimum 2 years of previous experience in category management, purchasing/procurement or related field Previous experience with negotiating vendor agreements Previous experience in managing retail data or Pricebook Previous experience working with POS systems Strong analytical skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Must have strong attention to detail Demonstrated competency in mathematics Prior, demonstrated experience with Microsoft office, including Microsoft Excel and Outlook Ability to effectively manage time, organize, prioritize tasks/projects and multi-task Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment High school diploma or equivalent Ability to work and think independently as well as to operate effectively as part of a team. Preferred:Bachelor's degree in business management, marketing or a related field Previous experience managing cigarettes, tobacco and OTP categories Previous experience within the c-store industry Previous experience with PDI ERP systems Previous project management experience Essential Physical Requirements:Some local travel by car Must be able to sit/stand up for up to a full 8-hour shift, in the performance of the position Must be able to work with minimal supervision and under stressful and changing conditions and priorities Must be able to use a desktop and lap top computer as well as mobile device and desk phone to accomplish duties Must be able to work varied hours/days as business dictates Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.