Key Food Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

The Sr. Category Manager Food & Beverage (F&B) is responsible for driving initiatives to grow the Food and Beverage category or group of categories across the Company’s Retail locations. Incumbent “owns” the category and is responsible for developing ideas, initiatives and opportunities to grow the business, and influence short-term and long-term retail strategy. Also responsible for developing future programs which may include made-to-order F&B offerings.  Role will have significant interaction with Marketing, Culinary, Bakery/Commissary and Retail Operations team.  Responsible for interaction with Zone Food Supervisors (3) in the field who are in direct contact with the stores (170) in their zone.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Partner with the Marketing, Culinary, Bakery/Commissary, Ordering and Operations teams to develop, deliver and assess category specific initiatives across the retail footprint.
• Work closely with Culinary Innovation Chef to bring new product ideas to formal testing, commercialization and implementation.
• As part of a team, outlines the short and long term category strategy for UDF Retail. This includes developing annual P&L for the categories owned as well as cost, price and overall margin targets.
• Actively monitors both revenue, cost and waste (if applicable) and adjusts programs to maximize quality, revenue and transaction growth.
• Partners with Marketing, Loyalty & Guest Insights to analyze key sales and transaction trends from store tests, promotions and campaigns. Leverages Insights to deliver actionable business initiatives to grow the assigned categories.
• Partner with Store Operations to insure successful execution of key category programs. Solicits feedback from Operations with the goal to enhance sales and revenue.
• Partner with the Culinary Innovation Chef on key food trends and product development across the category.
• Partner with the Bakery & Commissary team on product development (bakery, fresh) as well as commissary related logistics.
• Provide executive overviews and presentations to leadership on results from campaigns, store tests, promotions, etc.

People Management: (May manage direct reports if applicable)

• Responsible for providing direct reports with timely, candid and constructive performance feedback; developing employees to their fullest potential and provide challenging opportunities that enhance employee career growth;
• Developing the appropriate talent pool to ensure adequate bench strength and succession planning; recognizing and rewarding employees for accomplishments.
• Incumbent also holds his direct reports accountable for performing the same functions and activities with their direct reports if applicable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Marketing, Business Management or other 4-year degree preferred, but not required
• Five to Eight (5-8) years’ experience and comprehensive knowledge of Food & Beverage Category Management

•  Previous experience in a C-store environment / QSR strongly preferred.
•  Previous experience in managing direct reports.
• Previous price book, ordering/replenishment, and retail analytics experience preferred

Competencies & Capabilities: 

•  Ability to utilize the data to “story-tell” in a compelling manner to drive a strategic shift in the business or support an existing strategic priority for growth. Ability to develop and communicate findings and recommendations.
•  Fundamental understanding of key financial and retail performance metrics
•  Extensive familiarity with various category management programs including private label / home-grown versus external programs.
•  Demonstrated experience in managing the P&L for the category.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and possess the ability to present information to external and internal groups
•  Owns his/her category and has a sense of urgency to drive for results
• Self-starter, strong drive, highly motivated to make change and bring about fact driven decisions.

• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to operate in a complex, rapidly changing environment while adhering to tight schedules and budgets.
• Demonstrated project management skills and proven ability to balance multiple projects in varying degrees of implementation.
• Discerning palate to assess food and beverage offerings, quality and innovation

• Strong organizational, problem-solving and attention to detail skills are required.

• Must be well-organized and able to coordinate multiple tasks and requests. 

Computer/Technical:

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, MS BI
• Prior experience with CRM based systems, Loyalty platforms and other marketing/customer-based systems a plus.