Category Manager - Tobacco

Cumberland Farms; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a leading convenience retailer where your expertise in category management will shine! As a Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing product offerings and enhancing customer satisfaction through strategic pricing, promotion, and placement. This position offers the chance to collaborate with cross-functional teams and build strong vendor relationships, all while contributing to the overall success of the company. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about making a significant impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you to grow your career and be part of a forward-thinking organization that values diversity and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive Wages

Earned Wage Access Program

Paid Time Off

Medical/Health/Dental Coverage

401K with Company Match

Team Member Discounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Health Savings Account

Employee Recognition and Awards

Qualifications

• Experience in Category Management or related fields required.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Manage product offerings and optimize category performance.
• Negotiate with vendors and establish competitive pricing.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal Communication

Self-Motivation

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Are you curious about solving complex business challenges for a leading convenience retailer? Do you have a passion for cross functional collaboration? Then you may be the perfect addition to our team!

Cumberland Farms is a member of the EG America family of brands. EG America is one of the fastest-growing convenience store retailers in the United States, committed to becoming America’s #1 ‘one-stop’ destination. The business has an established pedigree of delivering excellent fuel, grocery and merchandise, and food service. Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, our Company has grown to over 1,500+ locations across the United States employing over 18,000 team members. You can find us operating under the following store banners: Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N Jug, Minit Mart, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, Turkey Hill, and Quik Stop.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Wages
• Work today, get paid tomorrow through our earned wage access program*
• Paid Time Off
• Medical/Health/Dental Coverage
• 401K with Company Match
• Team Member Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health Savings Account
• Company Spirit Days
• Employee recognition and awards
• And much more!

Position Summary:

The Category Manager's primary role is to optimize the potential of designated categories by identifying, anticipating, and satisfying customer needs efficiently and profitably, by proactively and effectively managing marketing mix elements (“Product”; “Price”; “Promotion”; “Place”), always applying category management principles. Key objectives are to maximize category sales and profit, along with other key metrics, providing strong business performance and contribution to the company. Always work proactively and productively in building and leveraging partnerships with vendors to help optimize business performance. In addition to meeting end consumer needs (by offering compelling customer propositions), it is also a priority to fully support Retail Team Members (i.e., stores) and respond to, and address issues as necessary. Work productively from a cross-functional perspective with other departments, such as Advertising and Merchandising.

Responsibilities:

1. “Product” Management:
   1. Determine and manage product offerings, ensuring they are compelling and relevant to our customers, and capitalize on product and category trends, and major new item launches.
   2. Requires strong analytical skills to optimize category performance.
   3. Work with vendors proactively in building relationships and determining product offerings.
   4. Follow all established processes for new and discontinued items, and make recommendations for areas of improvement.
   5. In addition to managing national brands, identify and initiate development of any relevant private label opportunities.
   6. Buy and supervise the buying of all products within the categories owned. Ensure maximum availability and service levels are achieved to satisfy store needs.
   7. Proactively use reporting systems to manage inventory and out of stocks.
2. “Price” Management:
   1. Propose, establish, and manage retail prices based on the role of product and category, and monitor to ensure they are broadly competitive while delivering budgeted margin rates.
   2. Ensure continual strong negotiation with vendors to deliver the best possible costs, and develop strong vendor relationships.
3. “Promotion” Activity Management:
   1. Work with vendors to develop highly compelling promotional activity, negotiating strong funding support.
   2. Ensure promotional deadlines are met and accounting processes are followed.
   3. Conduct pre and post promotional analysis to optimize future promotional activity.
4. “Place” Management:
   1. Proactively work with the Merchandising Team to optimize product offerings and presentation.
5. Financial and Business Performance Management:
   1. Proactive financial management, including reviewing profit/margin reports, and sales reports, compared to budget to ensure strong performance and trends.
6. Team Member Management:
   1. Proactively manage any direct or indirect reports, ensuring they are motivated and working at their full potential.

Minimum Education: High School, and/or some College

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred

Minimum Experience: Category Management or Related; Negotiation; Marketing; Retail Experience; Track record of developing category strategy and success in implementing marketing and merchandising programs in a retail environment

Preferred Experience: 5 years Category Management experience

Licenses/Certifications: Proficient personal computer skills; Microsoft Office skills and expertise; Strong Excel skills critical

Soft Skills: Highly analytical; Strong drive and initiative; Proven success in negotiation; Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; Collaborative and strong team player; High level of self-motivation and integrity.

At EG America, it’s important that our employees reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve. We celebrate our differences, so your unique background and skillset could bring a wonderful new perspective to our team. If you have a passion for delivering exceptional results, thrive in a fast-paced corporate environment, and bring experience in business management or related areas, we'd love to meet you - even if you don't meet every single requirement.