Hybrid Category Leader: Retail Purchasing & Growth

Applegreen (US) Welcome Centers; Mahwah (NJ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) with Company Match

10% Annual Bonus

Earned Wage Access – Pay on Demand

Education Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Applegreen is hiring a Category Manager to drive category strategies, optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions across its retail portfolio. You will partner with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Vendors to identify opportunities and deliver impactful category plans.

The role requires strong analytical skills, five-plus years in retail buying or category management, and proven leadership in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid work arrangement with in-office days in New Jersey.

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 the 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.
• Excellent planning, organization, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that support sales growth, margin improvement, and overall 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.
• Lead vendor negotiations to secure pricing, rebates, and favorable terms; develop joint business plans.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure contractual compliance.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the Commercial team.

Skills

Category management

Vendor negotiations

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Problem solving

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Merchandising/Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Office Suite

PDI / retail reporting platforms

Job description

Applegreen is hiring a Category Manager to drive category strategies, optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions across its retail portfolio. You will partner with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Vendors to identify opportunities and deliver impactful category plans.

The role requires strong analytical skills, five-plus years in retail buying or category management, and proven leadership in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid work arrangement with in-office days in New Jersey.