Strategic Retail Category Manager - Data-Driven Buyer

Applegreen Travel Plazas; Leonia (NJ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Arrangement

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

10% Annual Bonus

Earned Wage Access – Pay on Demand

Education Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Applegreen USA Welcome Centers Central Services is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies across our retail portfolio. You will manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships while driving profitable growth and an exceptional customer experience.

The role requires strong analytical ability, 5+ years in retail buying or category management, and proven negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, merchandising, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years in retail buying, category management, or procurement.
• Strong supplier negotiation experience and vendor management.
• Advanced MS Office skills and data analysis capability.
• Experience with PDI and retail reporting platforms a plus.
• Analytical, results‑driven, and able to interpret data for decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to grow sales and improve margins.
• Manage assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising for assigned categories.
• Lead vendor negotiations and develop joint business plans.
• Collaborate with Operations, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure execution.
• Provide leadership support and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Category management

Vendor negotiations

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

PDI

Power BI

Job description

Applegreen USA Welcome Centers Central Services is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies across our retail portfolio. You will manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships while driving profitable growth and an exceptional customer experience.

The role requires strong analytical ability, 5+ years in retail buying or category management, and proven negotiation skills.