Director, Category Management & Procurement

We are looking to hire an Director, Category Management & Procurement that will support the category management team in the Long Beach area. We offer industry training, medical, dental and vision insurance, performance bonuses, and a 401(k) match. The Director of Category Management & Procurement, reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising, will lead our category management and procurement functions. This role is critical in driving profitable growth by optimizing product assortments and ensuring that United Pacific's full range of retail products meet the needs of our growing and diverse customer base. The Director will have a deep understanding of the convenience retail industry, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of successfully leading category management and procurement teams. The ideal candidate will exhibit strategic vision and the ability to execute those strategies at retail. They will be a data-driven, analytical decision-maker, utilizing external and internal data to validate the success of new and existing programs. The Director will develop effective promotional strategies to attract customers and grow basket at our stores, enhance profitability through price optimization, and secure improved product costs and increased vendor funding through exceptional contract negotiations. The Director will strategically manage vendor partnerships to align with our strategic objectives. They will work closely with operations and other stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of programs at retail. We are a growing company and believe in providing a great place to work and grow. Our motto is “I Got It!” and if you're looking for a stable, rewarding, challenging career then “I Got It!” Essential areas of the position include: Lead, innovate, and develop product assortment plans for 600+ convenience stores across the West Coast and Midwest. Utilize external syndicated data to identify trends, consumer behavior opportunities and gaps in our retail offering. Optimize store planograms to meet market / customer trends. Determine optimal space planning, to achieve maximum sales revenue. Manage our wholesale distributor partner relationship to ensure service levels and other contractual obligations are met. Monitor inventory levels and turns to ensure we maximize sales by reducing voids at retail and minimizing obsolete product exposure. Lead, coach, and foster a top-performing team environment that encourages creative thinking, proactive solutions to challenges and is results drive Oversee our growing private label item mix value chain and seek opportunities to expand the portfolio of items Work with the brand marketing and loyalty team to curate offers to drive customer loyalty adoption and retention Identify technology opportunities to enhance our supply chain and develop forward thinking product assortment plans Take ownership of the monthly Profit & Loss (P&L) for the category management function, ensuring financial targets are on track Drive profitability by effectively managing sales initiatives, cost strategies, and promotional investment ROI, while maximizing vendor funding Set sales budgets and margin targets for the department and team that align with the company's growth plans. Periodically review results with the category team, and if plans are at risk, adjust tactics and strategies as needed to ensure goals are met. Prepare monthly and quarterly presentations of category result drivers with strategic recommendations to executive management, ensuring alignment with company objectives and gaining support for key initiatives. Proactively identify new potential vendor relationships, maintain existing vendor relations, successfully negotiate profitable contracts, and holds vendors accountable to agreed terms. Travel to stores as needed to ensure satisfactory implementation of said programs. Participate in company-wide initiatives as needed. The ideal candidate…

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