Director - Category Management, Bottled Beverages - Atlanta GA - salary to $180K

OPEN JOB: Director - Category Management - Bottled Beverages LOCATION: Atlanta, Georgia Relocation Assistance Available Salary: $146,200 to $180,000 Director level roles typically 4-5 days in office. Travel also involved. Up to 20% travel is required. SUMMARY The Category Management Director, Bottled Beverages, is responsible for creating an operational environment that drives development, profitability, and strategic growth for the firm’s bottled beverages business. This leader partners closely with the executive team to set long- term goals, establish operating policies, and ensure consistent execution across planning, analytics, and operations. The Director leads a cross‑functional team, strengthens key vendor and wholesaler relationships, and ensures the firm maintains a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Up to 20% travel is required. RESPONSIBILITIES Serves as the point of contact and voice of the Category Management department for planning and operations. Develops, coaches, and trains the current assigned Category Management team. Partners cross‑functionally with all members of the Category Management team to align strategic direction. Drives profitability and growth within assigned categories by implementing aggressive negotiation tactics. Ensures all contract negotiation strategies are in line with the best interest of the company. Assesses category offerings, develops and communicates strategies, and prioritizes the category team’s tactical work. Creates, plans, and executes appropriate financial and guest service goals for the assigned teams. Communicates strategies and gains alignment across departments impacted by category programs. Directs development of analytical tools to manage product mix, cost, retails, and to determine promotional strategies. Strengthens key vendor relationships to maximize the firm’s position in the marketplace. Approves, prioritizes, and monitors all category expenditures. Develops and maintains key business relationships with cross functional departments on a regular basis. Drives process improvement strategies that increase efficiencies and simplify Guests’ and Associates’ lives. What You’ll Do Leadership & Team Development Serves as the primary point of contact and voice of the Bottled Beverages Category Management department for planning and operations. Develops, coaches, and trains the assigned Category Management team. Encourages continuous two‑way feedback. Leads a fully staffed, established team and provides strong leadership through change. Category Strategy & Financial Ownership Drives profitability and growth within assigned categories through aggressive negotiation tactics. Owns full P&L accountability. Approves, prioritizes, and monitors all category expenditures. Assesses category offerings, develops strategic plans. Creates, plans, and executes financial and Guest service goals aligned with the firm’s standards. Negotiation & Vendor/Wholesaler Management Ensures all contract negotiation strategies align with the best interests. Directly negotiates pricing, programs, and contracts with suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors. Strengthens key vendor relationships. Navigates state‑specific regulations and manages multiple wholesalers in a direct‑to‑store delivery environment. Cross‑Functional Alignment Partners cross‑functionally with all members of the Category Management team and other departments. Communicates category strategies clearly and gains alignment. Develops and maintains key business relationships across the organization. Analytics, Tools & Process Improvement Directs the development of analytical tools to manage product mix, cost, retail pricing, and promotional strategies. Uses data to drive decision‑making and optimize category performance. Drives process improvement strategies that increase efficiencies and simplify life for both Guests and Associates. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university. 7+ years of professional experience in category management, procurement, product management, merchandising, or logistics. Supervisory/managerial experience leading teams. Demonstrated ownership of a P&L with strong financial acumen. Direct experience negotiating pricing, programs, or contracts with suppliers or wholesalers. Experience working with or within the retail industry (retailer‑side experience strongly preferred). Ability to lead through change and manage a high‑volume, fast‑moving category. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Project management skills. Experience navigating state‑specific regulations and working across multiple wholesalers/distributors. Strong communication skills with the confidence and clarity to “connect the dots” across teams and influence decision‑making. #J-18808-Ljbffr