Hybrid Category Manager – Retail Buying & Growth Leader

applegreen; Leonia (NJ); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Hybrid work arrangement

Earned wage access

Education assistance

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Job summary

Applegreen is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and an exceptional customer experience across its retail business. You will manage a portfolio of categories, overseeing assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships.

The role requires strong analytics, collaboration with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and vendors, and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of retail buying, category management, merchandising, or procurement experience.
• Strong experience negotiating supplier agreements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Office Suite.
• Experience with PDI and retail reporting platforms.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive 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 product lifecycle performance and recommend additions, deletions, or assortment enhancements.
• Lead annual vendor negotiations to secure competitive pricing, rebates, promotional funding, and favorable terms.
• Develop and execute joint business plans with key suppliers.
• Maximize rebate opportunities and ensure achievement of annual rebate targets.
• Develop and implement effective planograms and promotional calendars.
• Partner with Operations and Marketing to align promotions with regional needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful category execution.

Skills

Vendor negotiations

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytics

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

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

Tools

PDI

Office Suite

Job description

Applegreen is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and an exceptional customer experience across its retail business. You will manage a portfolio of categories, overseeing assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships.

The role requires strong analytics, collaboration with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and vendors, and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.