As the Associate Category Manager, Fresh Food - Enterprise Food & Beverage for the Murphy USA / QuickChek Enterprise, you will be responsible for the creation and ongoing implementation and execution of food programs and initiatives, particularly focused at QuickChek. This individual will support their Manager with, amongst other things: merchandising initiatives, product mix, placement, pricing, and partner/vendor negotiations.
This individual will work closely with internal partners to analyze existing business and be responsible for helping to drive strategy, innovation, and strong financial performance. The successful candidate will possess curiosity, attention to detail, high energy, agility, and sound business acumen. This individual will be able to operate in a flexible, fast-paced environment that is highly collaborative and team-oriented.
This is a high visibility role with opportunity for growth.
Some benefits for this role include:
401(k) dollar-for-dollar matching up to 6%, as well as a 3% Annual Retirement Contribution from the Company (Matching vests immediately, ARC after 3 years)
Annual STI (Short-Term Incentive/Bonus) based on company and individual performance
Health, Dental, Vision insurance
Company-paid Life Insurance, with supplemental insurance options available
Responsibilities
Collaborate with manager to develop and implement strategic plan for fresh food product lines.
Stay informed about market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities.
Help establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors.
Negotiate terms, pricing, and agreements with vendors to optimize costs and maintain product quality.
Assist in selecting the right mix of products for the category based on customer demands and market trends.
Support in setting appropriate pricing strategies to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
Assist in planning and executing promotional campaigns to drive sales and customer engagement.
Analyze sales data, market research, and customer feedback to make informed decisions about assortment adjustments and pricing changes.
Prepare and present reports on category performance and key metrics.
Collaborate with marketing, sales, operations, analytics and other departments to align category strategies with overall business goals.
Assist in the launch of new products, including market research, pricing, and promotional planning.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
Expect to travel ~25% of the time
Qualifications
A minimum of 3 to 5 years of full-time experience - preferably in the quick service restaurant ("QSR"), convenience store, food & beverage, and/or multi-unit retail industry across insights, analytics, market research, marketing, business development, and/or equivalent functions.
A four-year college degree is required.
Knowledge of the food and beverage industry, market trends, and customer preferences is a plus.
An agile, continuous improvement mindset with a strong curiosity & desire to learn.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
Proactive, with an ability to see things through from start to finish.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
Previous experience in category management, retail, or a related field is beneficial.
A personal reputation for honesty & integrity.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products (Powerpoint, Word, Excel)
Self-aware, humble, and willing to be a player-coach in a fast-growing part of the business.