Merchandising and Category Manager

Position Description

Merchandising and Category Manager – Center Store

Position Summary

Quality Oil Company, LLC is a family owned, financially strong, growing company. We have been in business since 1929 and base our business principles on our core ideology. To learn more about our strong, stable, and diverse company visit us www.QOCNC.com.

This position will be responsible for growing and developing key business relationships with our vendors, negotiating contracts, in-store marketing, and managing category pricing and margins for all non-tobacco and alcohol categories across our convenience store divisions. Areas of concentration will include candy, gum, bakery, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, HBC, auto, and novelty. The position will also be expected to monitor the industry and competitive landscape to identify trends that may help improve product strategies.

Responsibilities

• Merchandising and Category Manger is responsible for the selection of vendors, items, and services to generate sales and drive financial growth for all non-tobacco and alcohol products. Areas of concentration will include candy, gum, bakery, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, HBC, auto, and novelty.
• This individual manages the ongoing implementation, execution, and measurement of all elements within multiple categories
• Collaborates cross-functionally by developing and maintaining key relationships and communication with category management, operations, marketing, accounting, business analysis, and outside vendors or suppliers to effectively manage existing and implement new products, programs, and category initiatives
• Represents multiple categories in various cross-functional meetings and manages ad-hoc special projects as necessary
• Monitors the industry and competitive landscape
• Identifies patterns and market trends to help refine product strategies
• Analyzes internal data such as sales and pricing
• Grow margins and unit volume
• Create and implement action plans for improvement and continued performance in multiple categories
• Works closely with field management to increase sales
• Maximizes sales by directing and assisting with merchandising
• Ensures operational compliance with merchandising plan
  
  

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in retail category management required
• Bachelor’s Degree and Data Analytics experienced preferred
• Strong collaborative skills across operational and support staff
• Understanding of convenient store customer base, operations, and product marketing strategies required
• Must exhibit strong leadership ability and be self-motivated
• Strong written and oral communication skills required
• Strong data analytics and organization skills required
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (to operate company vehicle)
• Approximately 40-50% field position