Strategic Retail Category Manager: Growth & Negotiations

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

Benefits offered by this job

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 USA Welcome Centers Central Services is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies, manage assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships across our fast-paced retail operations.

The role requires strong data analysis, vendor negotiation, and leadership skills to drive sales growth and profitability while collaborating with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance. A hybrid work arrangement supports a balance of office and field work.

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 MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Office Suite.
• Experience with PDI and retail reporting platforms preferred.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and leverage data to drive decisions.
• Excellent planning, organization and project management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales growth and margins.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising plans.
• Analyze sales, margin, and customer data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Conduct category reviews and develop action plans to maximize performance.
• Deliver category forecasts, budgets, and performance reporting.
• Monitor product lifecycle and adjust assortment as needed.
• Build strong relationships with supplier partners.
• Lead annual vendor negotiations for pricing, rebates, and terms.
• Develop joint business plans with key suppliers.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure contract compliance.
• Maximize rebate opportunities and achieve targets.

Skills

Retail buying

Category management

Merchandising

Procurement

Vendor negotiations

Data analysis

Forecasting

Excel/Office

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Office Suite

PDI

Job description

Applegreen USA Welcome Centers Central Services is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies, manage assortment, pricing, promotions, and vendor partnerships across our fast-paced retail operations.

The role requires strong data analysis, vendor negotiation, and leadership skills to drive sales growth and profitability while collaborating with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance. A hybrid work arrangement supports a balance of office and field work.