Director of Beverage Strategy

Job Description Insight Global is seeking a Director of Beverage Strategy for our client, an association of independently owned convenience stores, headquartered in Smyrna, GA. The Director of Beverage Strategy will lead our client's beverage category, overseeing vendor partnerships, program development, and strategic initiatives. This role is responsible for driving category growth, maximizing vendor funding and rebates, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering meaningful value to members. An ideal candidate for this position will come from a buyer or category manager role, purchasing beverage products for c-stores or small-format retail stores. The Director acts as the internal category authority - aligning leadership, field teams, and vendor partners around initiatives that increase participation, compliance, and revenue. Key Responsibilities: Category Ownership & Growth u2022 Lead the overall beverage category strategy, performance, and long-term growth roadmap u2022 Drive increases in vendor volume, rebates, funding, and member participation u2022 Identify whitespace opportunities across energy, CSD, water, RTD, and emerging beverage segments u2022 Ensure beverage programs deliver measurable financial and operational value to members Vendor Strategy & Negotiation u2022 Lead identification, negotiation, and execution of vendor partnerships and CMAs u2022 Own vendor relationships at the strategic level, ensuring accountability, performance, and alignment u2022 Drive funding, promotional support, and innovation pipelines from key partners u2022 Conduct structured quarterly business reviews with vendors Program Development & Execution u2022 Design and optimize beverage programs, pricing structures, and promotional strategies u2022 Oversee launch execution for new products, LTOs, and innovation initiatives u2022 Ensure consistent program communication and adoption across the member base u2022 Monitor compliance and program performance across territories Field & Member Integration u2022 Partner with VP of Field Operations to embed beverage priorities into field execution u2022 Train and enable BDRs/BDMs to effectively sell, position, and implement beverage programs u2022 Support key member relationships and high-impact accounts Data, Trends & Competitive Intelligence u2022 Analyze vendor reporting, rebate performance, and category trends u2022 Monitor competitor strategies and market dynamics u2022 Use data to guide portfolio decisions, pricing strategy, and vendor negotiations Leadership & Organizational Alignment u2022 Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic direction and category investment decisions u2022 Influence internal planning across sales, marketing, and operations u2022 Lead beverage planning for tradeshows, member events, and strategic initiatives Industry Engagement u2022 Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and vendor meetings u2022 Maintain deep awareness of innovation pipelines and category evolution We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: Skills and Requirements u2022 5+ years of experience in convenience store or small-format retail store field u2022 Extensive experience in a Buyer or Category Manager role specific to the beverage category (energy, CSD, water, RTD) u2022 Experience owning vendor relationships at the strategic level u2022 Proven experience negotiating vendor agreements u2022 Strong commercial acumen (rebates, pricing strategy, funding structures) u2022 Must be comfortable with monthly travel out of state u2022 Experience in/working with a trade association or trade organization

Created: 2026-03-13