Field Category Manager - Food Service

Circle K Stores Inc.; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Circle K Stores Inc. is seeking a results-driven Senior Merchandising Manager to lead strategic category initiatives across multiple U.S. markets. You will develop local assortment plans, manage planograms, forecast margins, and drive profitability for assigned categories.

The role requires strong vendor relations, cross-functional collaboration with operations and marketing, and a track record of turning data into actionable growth strategies. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in advertising, business, or related field; substitution allowed.
• 5+ years of experience with at least 3 years in management.
• Strong relationship management, analytical thinking, and financial acumen.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute local assortment plans aligned with strategy.
• Manage planograms, category reviews, budgets, and profitability.
• Lead pricing, promotions, and local revenue growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with vendors, operations, and business units.
• Produce operational reports and monitor KPIs; support pilots and improvements.

Skills

Strategic planning

Category management

Data analysis

Forecasting

Vendor relations

Cross-functional collaboration

Planogram development

MS Excel

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in advertising, business, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Outlook

MS Word

Job description

Essential Functions

• Strategic & Category Management Support national and regional merchandising strategies through execution of local assortment plans and category initiatives. Develop and maintain category schematics and planograms in alignment with strategic objectives. Establish, monitor, and forecast gross margin performance, sales volume, and profitability for assigned categories. Conduct annual category reviews, budgets, and performance analyses; recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Pricing, Promotions & Sales Growth Own frontline and promotional pricing decisions for local assortments. Increase sales and revenue by developing promotional concepts, overlay programs, and local assortment enhancements. Analyze category sales, margins, and KPI performance; maintain accurate records of item cost, retail, and margin dollars.
• Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration Manage local vendor relationships, including negotiating cost, terms, and product offerings. Maintain strong relationships with local and national vendors by providing guidance, resolving concerns, and sharing business insights. Partner with operations, merchandising, and business unit teams to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
• Operational Execution & Reporting Manage planogram implementation, store resets, and operational execution. Produce and maintain actionable operational reporting, including out-of-stocks, zero sales, delivery frequency, and related metrics. Allocate and track program costs; prepare operational and risk reports aligned with national and regional merchandising priorities.
• Testing, Pilots & Continuous Improvement Support pilot programs and product testing, including preparation and delivery of communication materials. Track results, analyze feedback, and report findings to appropriate teams. Recommend changes based on performance results and competitive trends.
• Performance & Professional Development Achieve financial goals and key performance indicators in accordance with company plans and guidelines. Contribute to team success through collaboration and continuous improvement. Maintain professional and technical expertise through training, industry publications, networking, and professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, business, or related field preferred. Other combinations of job-related experience and education that meet the requirements may be substituted.
• Five years of experience or more preferred; including a minimum of three years of management responsibility.
• Expertise in MS Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word preferred. Must have strong relationship management, analytical thinking, and financial acumen skills.
• May require up to 30% travel. Valid driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Complete physical activity inventory of the position includes: Sit for long periods of time. Operate computer keyboard and mouse for data entry. View computer monitor Hear and speak via telephone. Reach forward and/or overhead. Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions inventory of the position includes: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at a normal range. The lighting will include natural light from the outside as well as fluorescent lighting throughout the work areas. Work with minimum direction and periodic supervision.

Additional Information

The above statements reflect the general qualifications / duties and/or responsibilities necessary to identify the job and are not necessarily intended to set forth all of the specific requirements of the job. NOTE: This Job Description may change periodically as required by business necessity, with or without advance notice to employees.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or otherwise participate in the application process.

Company Mission

Our mission at Circle K is to make people's lives a little easier every day. Our global family of 150,000 people in over 17,300 stores and 27 countries makes that possible for our millions of clients worldwide, which is why we are committed to helping them achieve their goals and grow with us. We set ourselves apart by our culture and values: in our people and their development, in serving others, what we've built and what we are striving to achieve. No matter where you come from or where you are heading in your career, there is a place for you to grow at Circle K. When you grow, we grow - together.