Category Manager - Retail Growth & Sourcing (Hybrid)

Applegreen-USA-Welcome-Centers-Central-Services; Glen Rock (NJ); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401(k) with Company Match

10% Annual Bonus

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Earned Wage Access - Pay on Demand

Education Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Applegreen USA Welcome Centers Central Services in Glen Rock, NJ, is seeking a results-oriented Category Manager to lead category strategies across our retail portfolio and drive sales growth. You will manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, vendor partnerships, and forecasts, collaborating with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in retail buying or category management, strong analytical skills,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of retail buying, category management, merchandising, or procurement experience within convenience retail, grocery, FMCG, or retail industries.
• Strong experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Office Suite.
• Experience with PDI and retail reporting platforms preferred.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and leverage data to drive business decisions.
• Excellent planning, organization, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that support sales growth, margin improvement, and overall business objectives.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising plans for assigned categories.
• Analyze sales, margin, market, and customer data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Conduct category reviews and develop action plans to maximize category performance.
• Deliver accurate category forecasts, budgets, and performance reporting.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
• Lead annual vendor negotiations to secure competitive pricing, rebates, promotional funding, and favorable commercial terms.
• Develop and execute joint business plans with key suppliers.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
• Maximize rebate opportunities and ensure achievement of annual rebate targets.
• Develop and implement planograms and promotional calendars with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance for successful category execution.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the Commercial team.
• Foster collaboration and accountability within the department.

Skills

Category Management

Vendor Negotiations

Data Analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/related field

Tools

PDI

Retail Reporting Platforms

Job description

Applegreen USA Welcome Centers Central Services in Glen Rock, NJ, is seeking a results-oriented Category Manager to lead category strategies across our retail portfolio and drive sales growth. You will manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, vendor partnerships, and forecasts, collaborating with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in retail buying or category management, strong analytical skills,