Strategic Category Manager, Beverages – Growth

Pilot Travel Centers LLC.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nationwide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision

Flexible Spending Accounts

Weekly pay

401K match

Tuition Assistance

Adoption Assistance

PTO

Fuel Discount

Job summary

Pilot Company is seeking an experienced Director-level Category Manager to lead a category team and drive sales and gross profit across multiple product lines. You will own annual plans and a three-year vision, manage budgets, and ensure contracts with vendors are fulfilled while guiding store visits for feedback and strategic promotions.

You will collaborate with culinary, innovation, and brand teams to deliver profit plans, partner with operations for training, and oversee inventory controls

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of category management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; business-related field preferred.
• Strong negotiation and vendor partnership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own annual category plan and three-year strategic vision; present budgets to senior team.
• Review category performance, including monthly P&L, and adjust plans.
• Drive category reviews with direct reports and cross-functional partners.
• Maintain contracts knowledge to ensure compliance by PFJ and vendors.
• Visit stores to gather directional feedback on products and promotions.
• Lead vendor processes: product reviews, cost negotiations, RFPs, and supply chain management.

Skills

Category management

Vendor management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Pilot Company is seeking an experienced Director-level Category Manager to lead a category team and drive sales and gross profit across multiple product lines. You will own annual plans and a three-year vision, manage budgets, and ensure contracts with vendors are fulfilled while guiding store visits for feedback and strategic promotions.

You will collaborate with culinary, innovation, and brand teams to deliver profit plans, partner with operations for training, and oversee inventory controls