Category Buyer/Manager - Private Label Packaged Food

OverviewCategory Manager - Private Label Packaged FoodLocation: Pearland, TX (In Office)Pay Range$130,000 – $500,000+ total compensationThis is not a title-based range.It is a capability-based range.Compensation Philosophy$130k–$200k: Proven category manager, strong executor$200k–$300k: High-performing category owner, trusted decision‑maker$400k–$500k+: Rare contributor who consistently drives outsized financial impactThe RoleBuc-ee’s is hiring a Category Manager, Private Label Packaged Food, to own and grow Buc-ee’s private label packaged food categories.This role sits at the intersection of category strategy, analytics, pricing, merchandising, supplier relationships, and commercialization for private label packaged food categories.You will not just analyze performance. You will own category outcomes and drive decisions that materially impact revenue, margin, product quality, customer experience, and brand standards.What You’ll Be Responsible ForServe as the product owner and subject matter expert for assigned private label packaged food categories, with accountability for product lifecycle management, product quality, brand standards, and ongoing performance.Creating and developing a long-term plan and ongoing strategy for private label packaged food categoriesOwn category performance: sales, margin, pricing, assortment, product development, brand standards, and executionBuild long-term private label category strategy and annual operating plansLead pricing strategy, competitive positioning, assortment planning, and private label portfolio optimizationIdentify and close category opportunity gaps across assortment, pricing, product development, and portfolio performanceFacilitate product evaluation and approval processes, including competitive and category reviews, supplier submissions, taste testing, focus group sessions, packaging reviews, and product approvals.Lead SKU rationalization and promotion strategyDevelop and manage supplier relationships and negotiations that support private label product development, product specifications, packaging requirements, and commercialization expectationsHold suppliers accountable to product specifications, quality standards, cost expectations, packaging requirements, timeline commitments, supply expectations, and execution standardsLead cross-functional initiatives with merchandising, operations, IT, Quality Assurance, Legal, Graphic Design, suppliers, and distributors to support private label product launch readiness, in-store execution, and post-launch performanceProject management which will include developing project plans, processes, timelines, and launch milestones for private label packaged food initiativesTranslate data into clear operational decisionsConduct field visits to improve store-level executionBuild executive-level reporting and decision supportWho This Role Is ForThis role is for high judgment operators who:Are comfortable owning decisions, not just analysisThink strategically about category growth and profitabilityCommunicate insights to executives without noiseCare about results more than titlesRelevant experience in packaged food categories, private label, and product development is strongly preferred.Category experience is valuable, but high capability operators who learn quickly can succeed here.Required CapabilitiesAdvanced Excel skills (non-negotiable)Strong experience working with large retail or operational datasetsExperience building pricing, assortment, or category strategyData visualization experience (Tableau, MicroStrategy, or similar)Strong written and verbal communicationAbility to manage complex projects and multiple prioritiesAdditional Preferred CapabilitiesExperience in packaged food categories, private label, product development, or related consumable product categoriesStrong understanding of private label food product development, including commercialization, packaging, supplier engagement, product lifecycle management, and project execution.Strong judgment in assessing product quality, sensory attributes, customer appeal, value, packaging, brand fit, and category relevance.Ability to translate customer insights, category performance, sales trends, competitive analysis, supplier capabilities, and financial objectives into actionable private label priorities.Practical understanding of food safety, quality standards, product specifications, packaging and labeling requirements, demand planning, and compliant commercialization.Education & ExperienceBA/BS + 2–4 years relevant experienceorMaster’s degree + 1–2 years relevant experienceWe value capability and judgment over pedigree.Benefits25 days PTO (use it, cash it, or roll it)Medical, Dental, Vision401(k) with 100% match up to 6%Long-term growth and advancement opportunitiesThis is an in-office role. Remote work is not available.Joining our team puts you on a path where opportunity for advancement is available.Buc-ee's, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr Buc--ee