The Tobacco Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (OTP), including cigars, smokeless tobacco, modern oral nicotine, and related products within the convenience store channel. This role drives category growth, profitability, space optimization, assortment decisions, promotional planning, and supplier partnerships while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills, category management expertise, and deep knowledge of the tobacco industry to deliver sales, margin, and market share growth.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Performance

• Develop and execute short-term and long-term category strategies for Cigarettes and OTP.
• Analyze sales, market share, profitability, and shopper insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Establish category objectives, KPIs, and annual business plans.
• Monitor competitive activity, industry trends, and emerging nicotine products.

Assortment Management

• Lead assortment decisions based on consumer demand, market conditions, and performance metrics.
• Optimize SKU productivity and shelf allocation.
• Manage new item introductions, item rationalization, and product lifecycle planning.
• Balance national brand, regional, and value-tier offerings.

Pricing & Promotion

• Develop pricing strategies to maximize category profitability and competitiveness.
• Negotiate promotional programs with manufacturers and distributors.
• Evaluate promotion effectiveness and return on investment.
• Manage manufacturer contracts, allowances, rebates, and funding opportunities.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build strategic partnerships with key tobacco manufacturers and distributors.
• Lead business reviews and joint business planning sessions.
• Negotiate trade investments, rebates, and merchandising programs.
• Ensure alignment between supplier initiatives and company objectives.

Space & Merchandising

• Develop planograms and merchandising standards.
• Optimize category placement and inventory levels.
• Identify opportunities to improve shopper engagement and category performance.
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure execution excellence.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Maintain compliance with FDA regulations and all federal, state, and local tobacco laws.
• Monitor changes in tobacco legislation and assess business impacts.
• Ensure all promotional and merchandising activities comply with regulatory requirements.
• Partner with legal and compliance teams when necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• 5+ years of Tobacco Category Management experience.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Experience with syndicated data sources such as Circana (IRI), NielsenIQ,
• Experience with PDI and Market Link