Category Management Director, Bottled Beverages

RaceTrac Company Overview

Job Description:

• Serves as the primary point of contact and voice of the Bottled Beverages Category Management department for planning and operations.

• Develops, coaches, and trains the assigned Category Management team, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support needed for growth.

• Encourages continuous two‑way feedback and fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability.

• Leads a fully staffed, established team and provides strong leadership through change and evolving business needs.

• Drives profitability and growth within assigned categories through aggressive negotiation tactics, industry‑leading programs, and competitive promotions.

• Owns full P&L accountability, including financial goal setting, margin decisions, and category performance.

• Approves, prioritizes, and monitors all category expenditures.

• Assesses category offerings, develops strategic plans, and prioritizes tactical work for the team.

• Creates, plans, and executes financial and Guest service goals aligned with RaceTrac’s standards.

• Ensures all contract negotiation strategies align with the best interests of RaceTrac.

• Directly negotiates pricing, programs, and contracts with suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors.

• Strengthens key vendor relationships to maximize RaceTrac’s position in the marketplace.

• Navigates state‑specific regulations and manages multiple wholesalers in a direct‑to‑store delivery environment.

• Partners cross‑functionally with all members of the Category Management team and other departments to align strategic direction.

• Communicates category strategies clearly and gains alignment across departments impacted by category programs.

• Develops and maintains key business relationships across the organization to ensure strategic alignment and operational execution.

• Directs the development of analytical tools to manage product mix, cost, retail pricing, and promotional strategies.

• Uses data to drive decision‑making and optimize category performance.

• Drives process improvement strategies that increase efficiencies and simplify life for both Guests and Associates.

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university.

• 7+ years of professional experience in category management, procurement, product management, merchandising, or logistics.

• Supervisory/managerial experience leading teams.

• Demonstrated ownership of a P&L with strong financial acumen.

• Direct experience negotiating pricing, programs, or contracts with suppliers or wholesalers.

• Experience working with or within the retail industry (retailer‑side experience strongly preferred).

• Ability to lead through change and manage a high‑volume, fast‑moving category.

• Project management skills.

• Experience navigating state‑specific regulations and working across multiple wholesalers/distributors.

• Strong communication skills with the confidence and clarity to “connect the dots” across teams and influence decision‑making.

• Demonstrates strong financial ownership and clear understanding of category drivers.

• Leads negotiations that deliver measurable value and improved profitability.

• Builds trust and alignment across internal teams and external partners.

• Develops a high‑performing team with strong engagement and clear direction.

• Drives strategic clarity, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the category.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the point of contact and voice of the Category Management department for planning and operations.
• Develops, coaches, and trains the current assigned Category Management team.  Focuses on sharing knowledge and providing the tools necessary to increase department growth and exposure. Encourages continuous two-way feedback from all team members.
• Partners cross functionally with all members of the Category Management team to align strategic direction in order to execute consistent planning and analytical goals.
• Drives profitability and growth within assigned categories by implementing aggressive negotiation tactics, industry leading programs and competitive promotions to drive category sales.
• Ensures all contract negotiation strategies are in line with the best interest of RaceTrac.
• Assesses category offerings, develops and communicates strategies, and prioritizes the category team’s tactical work.
• Creates, plans, and executes appropriate financial and guest service goals for the assigned teams.
• Communicates strategies and gains alignment across departments impacted by category programs.
• Directs the development of analytical tools to manage product mix, cost, retails, and to determine promotional strategies.  
• Strengthens key vendor relationships to maximize RaceTrac’s position in the marketplace.
• Approves, prioritizes, and monitors all category expenditures.
• Develops and maintains key business relationships with cross functional departments on a regular basis to ensure strategic alignment.
• Drives process improvement strategies that increase efficiencies and simplify our Guests’ and Associates’ lives.

Qualifications:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with RaceTrac without regard to their race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.