Category Manager (Merchant)

*This is an onsite role located in Oklahoma City Benefits Fuel Your Growth with Love's - company funded tuition assistance Paid Time Off 401(k) – 100% Match up to 5% Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance after 30 days Competitive Pay Career Development Welcome to Love's The Category Manager (Merchant) is responsible for leading the selection and purchasing of products that align with the company’s sales strategy and customer preferences. This role involves analyzing market trends, forecasting demand, negotiating with suppliers, and managing inventory to ensure optimal stock levels and profitability. By reviewing and interpreting market and customer insight data, the Merchant builds strategic plans that enhance the department’s competitive advantages. Job Functions Oversee assigned categories within the Merchandise Department Full ownership to develop, plan, and implement multi-year strategic plans for given categories Leverage data and resources to make informed product-level and category-level decisions. Regularly review data to measure impacts of implemented strategies. Deploy tests (product, fixture, vendor, distribution, etc.) and measure success metrics Strategize, manage, support private brand consumable products. Work with Brand Managers to develop strategies for assortment, price, and promotion. Own the 4 P’s of Marketing for given categories (product, place, price, promotion) Develop & improve a set review process/Joint Business Planning Process (JBP)/LAB (yearly planning) for the merchandising department Responsible for providing year-over-year growth and for exceeding budget and P&L goals Build collaborative relationships with cross-functional team leaders. Partner with marketing, support, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of merchandising strategies and campaigns. Evaluate and select vendors based on performance metrics, quality standards, and cost-effectiveness. Own relationships of higher volume vendors, keeping the Supervisor/Manager informed of recent developments, challenges, support needed. Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key performance indicators, trends, and recommendations Manage, train, and develop Merchandise Planners Experience and Qualifications HS Diploma or equivalent required Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, merchandising, fashion merchandising or a related field is preferred 3-5 years of category management experience in a retail setting Experience managing vendor relations, 3rd party suppliers and distributors, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) required Personnel supervision preferred Accounts Receivable/Rebate. SAP, back office systems, and C-Store experience a plus Product and brand development experience ideal Skills and Physical Demands Hard skills: Knowledgeable and proficient within Microsoft Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint etc), Data Tools Soft Skills: Stable work history, good written and verbal communications skills, team player, attention to detail, self-motivated and responsible, ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment and strong analytical skills Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator Love’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Love's Travel Stops