Catagory Manager - C-Store Experience Desired bei KGS Operations LLC

Description

Position Summary:
We’re looking for a bold, results-driven Category Manager who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and loves making things happen. In this role, you’ll take ownership of key product categories across our convenience stores and drive sales growth through smart product selection, sharp negotiations, and decisive action.

This is not a role for someone who wants to sit back and follow a playbook — you’ll be empowered to make decisions, move quickly, and adapt on the fly to customer needs and market shifts. You’ll partner closely with vendors, influence store teams, and bring fresh ideas that turn into real results. If you’re competitive, entrepreneurial, and energized by seeing your strategies translate into growth, this is the opportunity to make a big impact.

As part of the application process, please complete a Culture Index Survey to be considered for this role in addition to applying below. Click Here to take the Culture Index Survey 

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Planning
  
  
  • Develop category plans that align with company objectives for sales growth, margin improvement, and customer satisfaction.
  • Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer preferences to identify opportunities for assortment expansion or adjustment. 
  • Recommend product mix, seasonal programs, and promotions that reflect local customer needs.
    
    
• Merchandising & Pricing
  
  
  • Select and manage product assortment within assigned categories.
  • Develop planograms and ensure consistent execution across all stores.
  • Establish pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability.
  • Monitor inventory levels, sales performance, and stock turns; adjust as needed.
    
    
• Vendor & Supplier Management
  
  
  • Negotiate vendor agreements, pricing, rebates, and promotional support.
  • Manage relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery, quality, and favorable terms.
  • Evaluate new products and vendors to improve category performance.
    
    
• Data & Performance Analysis
  
  
  • Review sales data, margin reports, and category KPIs regularly.
  • Provide reporting and recommendations to leadership regarding category performance.
  • Identify slow-moving or underperforming items and make recommendations for discontinuation or markdown.
    
    
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  
  
  • Work with store managers to ensure planograms, promotions, and merchandising standards are implemented consistently.
  • Partner with marketing to support promotions, seasonal programs, and in-store advertising.
  • Support operations in training store-level staff on category standards and product knowledge.
    

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience accepted
• 3+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying (convenience store, grocery, or retail preferred).
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in Excel and retail/POS reporting systems.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a multi-store environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  

As part of the application process, please complete a Culture Index Survey to be considered for this role in addition to applying below. Click Here to take the Culture Index Survey