Category Manager

Onvo; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Pet insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Onvo is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead merchandising across our travel plazas. You will develop category strategies, optimize assortment and pricing, and manage vendor relationships to drive profitable growth.

You’ll analyze sales and customer behavior, plan promotions, and collaborate with Operations, Marketing, and Finance to execute initiatives that enhance the customer experience and store profitability across our growing network.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in retail merchandising or category management.
• Experience in convenience retail or travel plazas.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to support sales, margin, and growth.
• Manage product assortment, planograms, lifecycle decisions, and category optimization.
• Ensure right products at the right price, location, and time.
• Analyze sales trends and customer behavior to identify growth opportunities.
• Establish pricing strategies and margins for categories.
• Conduct competitive price surveys and pricing actions to stay competitive.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers; lead negotiations on costs and terms.
• Monitor vendor performance and identify new products, trends, and opportunities.
• Plan and execute promotional programs with Marketing and Operations.
• Communicate plans across the organization and evaluate performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Communication

Presentation skills

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Marketing

Tools

NetSuite

JDA

Gilbarco Passport

PDI

Job description

Job Description:Onvo is seeking a strategic and results-driven Category Manager to lead merchandising initiatives across our travel plazas. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, optimizing assortment and pricing, managing vendor relationships, and driving profitable growth across assigned product categories.The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with a passion for retail, using data-driven insights to enhance the customer experience and maximize category performance.What You'll DoCategory Strategy & MerchandisingDevelop and execute category strategies that support company sales, margin, and growth objectives.Manage product assortment, item selection, planograms, product lifecycle decisions, and category optimization.Ensure the right products are available at the right price, in the right locations, and at the right time.Analyze sales trends, customer purchasing behaviors, and market conditions to identify opportunities for growth.Establish pricing strategies and margin targets for assigned categories.Conduct competitive price surveys and recommend pricing actions to remain competitive while protecting profitability.Vendor & Supplier ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors.Lead negotiations related to product costs, rebates, promotional funding, marketing support, delivery schedules, and service agreements.Monitor vendor performance and ensure suppliers meet company expectations and service standards.Identify new products, emerging trends, and strategic vendor opportunities.Promotions & MarketingPlan and execute promotional programs for assigned categories.Partner with Marketing and Operations teams to ensure successful promotion execution.Communicate promotional plans, product launches, and merchandising initiatives clearly across the organization.Evaluate promotional performance and identify opportunities for improvement.Operational ExecutionWork closely with store operations teams to ensure consistent execution of merchandising programs.Conduct regular store visits to evaluate category performance, merchandising standards, pricing accuracy, and customer experience.Support training initiatives related to product knowledge, merchandising programs, and category objectives.Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Marketing, Pricebook, Finance, and Leadership.Reporting & AnalysisAnalyze sales, profitability, inventory, and performance metrics for assigned categories.Prepare and present regular business reviews and category performance reports.Utilize data to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and recommendations.Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned categories and market trends.What We're Looking For5+ years of experience in retail merchandising, category management, convenience retail, travel plazas, grocery, or related industries.Proven success developing and managing merchandise categories that drive sales and profitability.Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data and make strategic recommendations.Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and relationship-building skills.Strong communication and presentation abilities.Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.Ability to travel regularly to store locations and industry events (approximately 30-40% travel).Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail reporting systems.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related field.Experience within convenience retail, travel centers, fuel retail, grocery, or food service environments.Familiarity with NetSuite and retail management systems.Knowledge of category management principles, planogram development, and merchandising best practices.Understanding of state alcohol regulations and category-specific compliance requirements.Experience with retail software platforms such as JDA, Gilbarco Passport, PDI, or similar systems.Why Work at Onvo?At Onvo, we're committed to being Always Quick, Always Kind, and Always Convenient . As a Category Manager, you'll have the opportunity to directly influence the products, pricing, and promotions that shape the customer experience across our growing network of travel plazas. You'll work alongside a collaborative leadership team in a fast-paced environment where your ideas and expertise will make a measurable impact.What We OfferCompetitive salaryMedical, dental, and vision benefits401(k) with company matchPaid time off and company holidaysDisclaimer:The list of Principal Duties, Essential Functions, and Basic Qualifications is illustrative but not exhaustive. Management reserves the right to revise the job description and to require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change without notice.Onvo is an equal opportunity employer. Onvo maintains a work environment in which Team Members are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Team Members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, and sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per yearBenefits:* 401(k) matching* Dental insurance* Health insurance* Paid time off* Pet insurance* Vision insuranceWork Location: In person