Strategic Retail Category Manager — Growth & Merchandising

Applegreen (US) Welcome Centers; Oakland (NJ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401 (k) with Company Match

10% Annual Bonus

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Earned Wage Access – Pay on Demand

Education Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Applegreen is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies across its US retail business. You will manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships to drive sales growth and profitability.

Working closely with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance, you will analyze data, forecast demand, and lead supplier negotiations while mentoring junior team members in a fast-paced, hybrid role based in Glen Rock, NJ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in retail buying, category management, merchandising, or procurement.
• Strong experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Office Suite.
• Experience with PDI and retail reporting platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that support sales growth, margin improvement, and objectives.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising plans for assigned categories.
• Analyze sales, margin, market, and customer data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Conduct category reviews and develop action plans to maximize performance.
• Deliver accurate category forecasts, budgets, and performance reporting.
• Monitor product lifecycle and recommend assortment changes.
• Lead annual vendor negotiations for pricing, rebates, and terms.
• Develop and execute joint business plans with suppliers.
• Develop planograms and promotional calendars with Ops/Marketing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful launches and initiatives.

Skills

Retail buying

Category management

Merchandising

Procurement

Vendor negotiations

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Office Suite

PDI

Job description

Applegreen is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies across its US retail business. You will manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships to drive sales growth and profitability.

Working closely with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance, you will analyze data, forecast demand, and lead supplier negotiations while mentoring junior team members in a fast-paced, hybrid role based in Glen Rock, NJ.