Fresh Foods Category Lead Strategy, Merchandising & Growth

Jackson Companies is a vertically integrated retail organization with a strong legacy and an ambitious growth trajectory. Founded in 1975 with a single gas station in Homedale, Idaho, Jacksons has evolved over five decades into a diversified enterprise employing more than 4,800 team members across several business units and operations in eight states. The Category Manager (Fresh Foods) provides the strategic vision (short and long term) for all Fresh Foods initiatives and functions at Jacksons Food Stores. The ideal candidate has a passion for foodservice and the food and beverage industry, is an accomplished team leader within the food and beverage vertical, is a strategic thinker, has a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to work across functions to translate insights into long term strategy and tactical success. In this role, you will work across the organization with various teams to build processes that will act as the foundation for the Fresh foods business. You are the Fresh Foods category expert at Jacksons. Let’s GO! Duties/Responsibilities Drive profitable sales and implement new and effective sales strategies for all Fresh Foods departments and sub-categories. Collaboratively develop, train, and lead a team of Assistant Category Managers, as assigned, to be innovators of exciting new products and long-term business builders, delighting our guests in Fresh Foods. Possess strong business acumen and demonstrate accountability for the overall P&L for Jacksons Food Stores. Evaluate and implement best practices in operational efficiencies, merchandising, and pricing across Fresh Foods categories, driving improvement in products, cost, and efficiencies. Work closely with other Category Managers and Regional Food and Beverage Managers to optimize merchandising strategies and overall store performance. Coordinate and communicate effectively with the Operations, Merchandising and Capitol Kitchen teams to ensure precise implementation of category offers. Ensure the Fresh Foods departments remain abreast of and utilize where appropriate local and regional merchandising trends (new items, packaging, processes, in-source versus out-source, etc.) Achieve sales and margin targets as developed in the planning process. Determine ways to increase revenue, reduce costs and improve overall results in the Fresh Foods category and departments. Negotiate favorable trading terms with applicable vendors, leveraging Jacksons scale and capabilities to continually enhance support and increase margins. Develop and implement category plans, marketing, and promotional programs across all Fresh Foods categories. Develop and implement merchandising tools including planograms, shelving, fixtures, and displays. Identify and implement private label opportunities. Connect with frontline employees, department managers and all other levels of leadership. Represent the company at trade associations, conferences, meetings, trade shows and regional events. Other duties as assigned. Skills/Qualifications/Education Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (preferred). 5+ years of experience in food retailing, foodservice operations oversight, or convenience store foodservice or dispensed beverage responsibilities. Extensive knowledge of category management principles preferably in a retail environment. Thorough understanding of how the retail customer engages, and shops small retail food offers. Comprehensive understanding of the convenience store consumer journey and opportunities. Advanced analytical skills with a data driven approach to strategic decision making. A high degree of self-motivation and attention to detail. The ability to effectively work independently and with others with a high degree of latitude and decision-making discretion. Proficiency with MS Office suite including Outlook and Excel. Physical Environment Hybrid environment of hybrid and in-office Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Frequently sitting, standing, walking, and reaching while occasionally bending and kneeling. Jackson Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and will ensure that applicants and employees are given equal opportunities in employment and contracting. #J-18808-Ljbffr