Sr. Manager of Categories

Job Description

Job Summary: Provide strategic leadership in attaining or exceeding corporate and strategic goals related to assigned categories. Define, develop and implement with key cross functional stakeholders, the strategic business marketing plans required to ensure controllable category and cross category contribution to the long range plan. Utilize servant leadership principles that will aid in partnership development and team building. 

Principal Duties:

• Develop and execute category plans that are aligned with and support corporate goals and strategies.  Use consumer research to ensure that the “Voice of the Customer” is included in all plans.  Ensure annual category planning process drives continuous improvement.
• Define the category role, strategies, tactics and opportunities required to micro market space and price, plan assortment and promotions, increase market share, contribute to category growth and meet and anticipate the current and future consumer demands.  Ensure Category Planning Teams are aligned with category plans and assortment decisions. 
• Lead project-planning cycle to ensure the completion of key category initiatives.  Develop, monitor and re-forecast financial plans and budgets that support the corporate financial plan. Develop the category’s target or hurdle rates for quantitative / qualitative measures of performance.
• Develop and nurture strategic vendor alliances required to identify synergies, promote mutual growth, maximize resources, ensure consumer focus and capitalize on market opportunities. Work cross functionally with logistics and suppliers to identify best supply chain management principles.
• Work with Associate Marketing Research Manager & Strategic Vendor Partners to conduct consumer research needed to meet category objectives. Conduct competitive market research required to maximize, monitor, evaluate and benchmark the progress of the category business plans and financial performance.
• Work with the Space Planning Manager and the other Category Teams to optimize space allocations and category performance.
• Work with the Advertising Manager to maximize the impact of advertising funds and resources in promoting the categories.  Develop and execute advertising/promotional programs designed to grow the categories and support corporate initiatives.
• Work with Finance to drive improvement of analytical tools that assist in category planning and execution (space, price, assortment, and promotion), direct product profitability analysis, cost management/process improvement and budgeting/re-forecasting.
• Develop reports on category performance, issues and opportunities.
• Provide overall direction and support for team and monitor and assess individual work in accordance with high standards of excellence.  Provide feedback, coaching, support, opportunities for development, complete performance appraisals, take corrective action when appropriate, and participate in hiring decisions.

Essential Functions:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Analyze information and effectively propose solutions
• Highly developed consultative, facilitation, project management and presentation skills
• High degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Work independently
• Strong negotiation skills
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Establish and maintain a working environment conducive to positive morale, individual style, quality, creativity, and teamwork

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, Master’s Degree a plus
• Five + years of category management
• Experience with direct P&L responsibility
• Purchasing experience
• Experience managing work groups
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Advanced Excel skills

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at [email protected].

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.