Category Manager - Food Service (Project Management)
The Spinx Company, a premier employer of South Carolina, operates 90+ convenience stores in South Carolina and employs over 1,800 associates through its stores, food operations, and related businesses. Spinx is passionate about fulfilling people's everyday needs by providing quality services and products in a clean, safe, and convenient environment. We operate in a fun and respectful manner that balances profit, community involvement, and environmental awareness while valuing our on-the-go customers, partners, and team of employees. Benefits: Paid vacation after 60 days 401k Retirement Plan $0.25 weekly fuel discount (per gallon) Holiday Savings Club Annual Reviews Health Insurance Dental/Vision Insurance Short Term Disability Tuition Assistance Scholarship Opportunities JOB SUMMARY: Develop and manage assigned sub-categories within Spinx's overall food and beverage strategy, with emphasis on prepared foods and dispensed beverages (coffee, fountain drinks, tea, and other related programs). Partnering with vendors, field operations and internal team members, the individual in this position will develop and implement superior food offers that drive customer satisfaction and profitability. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. • Employ the "Category Management framework" to improve the performance and profitability of assigned sub-categories with an emphasis on high product quality, customer value, branding and ease of execution and maintenance. Category management activities include, but are not limited to:o Develop and document strategies for assigned sub-categories, ensuring alignment with company goals.o Lead menu development, product selection, and item rationalization to maximize quality, value, and ease of execution.o Analyze sales performance, monitor pricing, and forecast future sales to achieve category profitability.o Product sourcing, marketing, merchandising and program deployment.o Stay informed of competitive programs, pricing, and market trends.• Manage the assortment and selection of products/equipment in a manner that maximizes the profitability of the entire category.o Develop annual category plan which identifies strategies and tactics to achieve specific sub-category objectives.o Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers for food and beverage products to ensure quality, cost effectiveness, and innovation.o Manage product costs, rebates, and promotional allowances.o Oversee product recipes, regional pricing, and promotional strategies.• Assist in integrating new programs into the overall category strategy.o Develop ROI analyses and forecasts to support new initiatives.o Design, develop and implement new food and beverage programs in collaboration with Operations and Training.o Provide support for training materials, testing, documenting procedures, equipment evaluations, and change management planning.o Communicate changes and progress to all program stakeholders.o Measure program effectiveness and adjust as needed.• Manage and provide guidance to Operations.o Provide overall category program directions.o Partner with Operations to ensure consistent execution of food and beverage programs, compliance with food safety standards, and delivery of excellent customer service.o Support store design, production workflows, and efficiencies.o Support retail team members with tools and training to provide customer service that meets or exceeds company standards.o Assist with resets, remodels, and grand openings as needed.• Cross-Functional Collaborationo Work closely with Marketing to promote prepared food and beverage offerings.o Partner with Supply Chain to optimize distribution and vendor performance.• Lead or contribute to special projects as assigned.