Pilot Company is the 10th largest privately held company in North America with more than 28,000 team members. As the industry-leading network of travel centers, we have more than 950 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division is a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.
Founded in 1958, we are proud to be family owned and consider our team members to be part of the family. Our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated fueling people and keeping North America moving.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
The purpose of this job is to lead a category team and manage a category (or categories) of products with the goal of increasing sales and gross profit dollars.
- Develop and own annual category plan and three-year strategic vision for each category; write and present annual budget plan to senior team
- Review category monthly and yearly performance financials and monthly review of profit and loss (P&L) performance
- Drive category review planning and presentation with direct report category team and support teams
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of all contracts and obligations to ensure that both Pilot Flying J (PFJ) and vendor adhere to the agreed-upon term and spirit of the contract or agreement
- Participate in industry events that add value to business planning process
- Visit stores to engage customers and team members in category directional feedback on products and promotions
- Lead vendor process including review of new products, business planning, cost negotiations, RFP execution, and supply chain management
- Maintain active involvement in inventory management and controls
- Study industry and category trends to support planning and development process
- Supervise and provide daily oversight of direct reports; select, coach, train, and develop direct reports, to include appraising job performance and conducting performance reviews
- Model behaviors that support the company’s common purpose; ensure guests and team members are supported at the highest level
- Ensure all activities are in compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
- Complete other duties as assigned
- Partner with culinary, innovation, and brand teams to deliver annual profit plan
- Partner with operations teams to ensure training and operational excellence
- Collaborate with brand and marketing teams on promotions and merchandising strategy
- Develop category business plans including product assortment, pricing, LTO’s, and promotional calendars
- Ownership and cross collaboration across food & beverage category teams
- High school diploma or equivalent certificate required
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study preferred
- Minimum five years’ category management
Specialized Knowledge
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
- Minimum five years’ experience in food service or beverage service category management required
Competencies
- Ability to think strategically and analytically in day-to-day decisions and long-range planning
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and mentor others on the team to do the same
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively on tasks
- Strong and effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills
- Ability to model agility and work effectively in a fast-paced, frequently changing business environment
- Ability to adapt to new technologies
Travel
- Travel required less than 25%, overnight may be required
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- General office work requiring sitting or standing for long periods of time
Benefits
- Nation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision
- 401(k) and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Fuel Discount
- Adoption Assistance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Onsite Gym and Cafeteria
- Weekly Pay
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines