Position SummaryThe Director of Merchandising and Category Management will lead the strategic direction, growth, and profitability of all product categories across Quality Mart convenience stores. The position will provide guidance and work directly with the leadership of the Quality Plus, and GOGAS Division to enhance and impact the profitability.
Key responsibilities will include building and managing strategic vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and programs, developing in-store marketing campaigns, optimizing inventory productivity, and establishing pricing strategies. The Director will also monitor industry trends, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape to identify opportunities ensuring our Quality Oil retail brands consistently deliver a best-in-class customer experience.
Responsibilities- Develop and execute category strategies across all merchandise categories to drive sales, gross profit, and market share. Implement category pricing strategies that balance customer value, competitive positioning, and margin objectives.
- Establish category roles, objectives, and assortment strategies to achieve financial targets. Optimize product assortment, shelf space, SKU productivity, and category adjacencies.
- Lead vendor selection, negotiations, relationships, and annual business planning to maximize sales and profitability. Develop and execute annual promotional strategies and calendars in partnership with Marketing, Operations, and key vendors.
- Category Manager for age-restricted items including Tobacco and Alcohol (Beer & Wine).
- Partner with Food Service category management and operations to enhance programs and offers.
- Partner with Operations and field leadership to drive consistent merchandising, pricing, promotional, and in-stock execution.
- Develop and maintain planograms and merchandising standards.
- Identify opportunities to introduce new products, private-label items, and emerging categories.
- Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, pricing, and assortments to identify opportunities and risks.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives involving new stores, remodels, category resets, and major merchandising programs.
- Lead, develop, and coach the Merchandising and Category Management team, building capabilities through training, analytics, and best practices.
- Foster a culture of fact-based decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Requirements- 7+ years of experience in retail category management required
- Bachelor's degree in business preferred
- Strong collaborative skills across operational and support staff
- Ability to develop and deliver a strategic plan, measuring and monitoring results, and making recommendations to achieve growth targets through category leadership
- Must exhibit strong leadership ability and be self-motivated
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong data analytics and organization skills required
- Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record (to operate company vehicle)
- Approximately 40-50% field position
