Category Manager

JOB TITLE: Category Manager

REPORTS TO: Director of Marketing

Company: Plaid Pantry Convenience Stores / Beaverton, Oregon

Plaid Pantry Convenience Stores is a leading player in the Pacific Northwest convenience industry, dedicated to providing a wide array of snacks, beverages and quick meal solutions and services to our customers. Plaid Pantry currently operates 107 stores spanning throughout the PacNw, servicing Portland Metro Areas and SW Washington providing great options for the neighborhoods we service. Join our dynamic team and contribute to our mission of becoming the preferred choice for convenience.

Key Purpose:

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager to oversee product categories within our convenience stores. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving category growth within the categories assigned, optimizing product assortment, ensuring competitive pricing, and creating marketing initiatives to promote category sales and customer engagement. This role requires a blend of analytical skills, market knowledge, sales/profit management, marketing, and vendor management to maximize sales and profitability.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy Development:
• Develop and implement category strategies that align with company goals.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats.
• Set clear objectives and KPIs for category performance. Be a Business Leader within the categories you are responsible for. 
• Assortment Planning:
• Determine optimal product assortment based on customer needs and market trends.
• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate product selection and terms.
• Ensure a balanced mix of national brands and local products.
• Utilize internal analytical tools to determine the best assortment for maximizing sales/profits.
• Pricing and Promotions:
• Develop pricing strategies to achieve sales and margin targets.
• Plan and execute promotional activities/marketing activities to drive traffic and sales.
• Monitor competitor pricing and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Vendor Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Negotiate contracts/rebates, terms, and conditions to secure favorable agreements.
• Evaluate vendor performance and address any issues promptly.
• Inventory Management:
• Monitor inventory levels and manage replenishment to minimize out-of-stocks and excess inventory.
• Collaborate with supply chain and DSD Partners to ensure efficient product flow.
• Implement strategies to reduce inventory holding costs.
• Sales and Performance Analysis:
• Analyze sales data and market trends to make informed decisions.
• Prepare regular reports on category performance and present findings to senior management.
• Identify and address underperforming products and categories.
• Utilize internal tools for tracking Sales, Inventory, Sell through, Overstock analysis. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with operations, and accounting/finance teams to support category initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations management team and store managers to understand customer preferences and feedback.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred and/or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Working experience is highly valued and can potentially be considered over formal education.   
• Proven experience in category management, retail management, preferably in the convenience or retail industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Critical thinking skills are a must when managing assigned categories. Analyze, Interpret, Evaluate, and Regulate any major activity relating to category manager initiatives supporting the categories managed. 
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Excel Proficiency
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

Corporate Office:

• This position is an in-office position. Our corporate headquarters are located at:
• 1585 SW Marlow Ave, Portland Oregon. (Cedar Hills, Beaverton Area). 
• Full Time Salaried. Our corporate office hours are from 7am – 6pm Monday-Friday.
• May spend 10-15% of the times visiting store sites, competitive retailers and attending tradeshows.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Category Manager Starting Base Salary $75,000-$85,000 (depending on experience). Yearly bonus maximum potential 20% of salary ($15,000 - $17,000) depending on yearly performance metrics achieved. 
• 401(K) Plan
• Medical and Dental Benefits
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the

scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties may be altered or assigned based on

business needs.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to  jon.manuyag@plaidpantry.com with the subject line “Category Manager Application – [Your Name]