Sr Manager, Category-Food

Company DescriptionPilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as 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 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, 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 to fueling people and keeping North America moving.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.Military encouraged to apply.Job DescriptionThe 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 teamReview category monthly and yearly performance financials and monthly review of profit and loss (P&L) performanceDrive category review planning and presentation with direct report category team and support teamsMaintain 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 agreementParticipate in industry events that add value to business planning processVisit stores to engage customers and team members in category directional feedback on products and promotionsLead vendor process including review of new products, business planning, cost negotiations, RFP execution, and supply chain managementMaintain active involvement in inventory management and controlsStudy industry and category trends to support planning and development processSupervise and provide daily oversight of direct reports; select, coach, train, and develop direct reports, to include appraising job performance and conducting performance reviewsModel behaviors that support the company's common purpose; ensure guests and team members are supported at the highest levelEnsure all activities are in compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and proceduresComplete other duties as assignedPartner with culinary, innovation, and brand teams to deliver annual profit planPartner with operations teams to ensure training and operational excellenceCollaborate with brand and marketing teams on promotions and merchandising strategyDevelop category business plans including product assortment, pricing, LTO's, and promotional calendarsOwnership and cross collaboration across food & beverage category teamsQualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent certificate requiredBachelor's degree in business or related field of study preferredMinimum five years' category managementSpecialized KnowledgeIntermediate Microsoft Office skillsMinimum five years' experience in food service or beverage service category management requiredCompetenciesAbility to think strategically and analytically in day-to-day decisions and long-range planningAbility to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and mentor others on the team to do the sameAbility to work independently or collaboratively on tasksStrong and effective written and verbal communication and presentation skillsAbility to model agility and work effectively in a fast-paced, frequently changing business environmentAbility to adapt to new technologiesTravelTravel required less than 25%, overnight may be requiredPhysical Requirements & Working ConditionsGeneral office work requiring sitting or standing for long periods of timeAdditional InformationBenefitsNation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision401(k) and Flexible Spending AccountsEmployee Fuel DiscountAdoption AssistanceTuition ReimbursementOnsite Gym and CafeteriaWeekly PayAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelinesJob LocationGoogle Maps requires functional cookies to be enabled

Created: 2026-03-09