The Associate Category Manager, Center Store will be responsible for the merchandising initiatives of all QuickChek locations.  The Associate Category Manager, Center Store will determine the merchandise product mix and set the plan-o-gram for the merchandise in the various facility types. The Associate Category Manager, Center Store will choose all fixtures for new locations and determine fixture placement within the locations. The Associate Category Manager, Center Store will set merchandise pricing based on market price analysis, negotiated rates with local and national vendors, optimal profit margins, and sale or quantity discounts. The Associate Category Manager, Center Store will be responsible for all programs and initiatives for all assigned product categories and services and any new merchandising programs.  The Associate Category Manager, Center Store will generate reports and analyze the product mix in locations and continuously change the product mix to maximize sales and margin. The Associate Category Manager, Center Store will support and direct their assigned Category Managers and Category Analysts.

1. Analyze pricing for optimal profit dollars for designated categories.

2. Develop and analyze customer market research data to optimize sales and margin.

3. Train and develop category managers, analysts, and support staff.

4. Develop and execute communication tools for the field to maximize sales and profits (Sales Planner).

5. Plan, develop, and communicate field sales incentive programs/contests (Circle of Stars).

6. Negotiate supplier support and additional discounting for the sales incentive program.

7. Responsible for working with general manager to develop strategies and initiatives for Merchandise department.

8. Plan and develop goals for assigned merchandise categories.

9. Select product mix and define product placement. Select fixture and determine fixture placement.

10. Manage and oversee merchandise prices for all locations. Negotiate lower prices and quantity rebates. Analyze markets that the location operates in and determine market pricing to maximize volume and profit.

11. Analyze, plan, and execute over 100,000 merchandise product price changes per month.

12. Manage, set up, and enhance the Murphy USA proprietary Merchandise Pricing Systems.

13. Create and implement new initiatives for all categories to create sales and margins.

14. Analyze current product mix for necessary changes. Research vendors and competitors to obtain new ideas.

15. Negotiate all Merchandise contracts generating in excess of $10 million in merchandise rebates.

16. Conduct frequent competitor store visits to evaluate the competitive environment.

17. Conduct frequent store visits with supplier partners and Operations to monitor and evaluate performance to plans.

18. Conduct forecasting, budgeting, and category plans.

19. Develop market materials and programs for responsible categories.

20. Analyze P&L performance of all locations.

21. Collaborate with Operations to maximize execution of merchandise programs.

22. Work with Maintenance, Construction, and Procurement to determine optimal equipment and service contracts for all equipment.

23. Develop, analyze, and maintain plan-o-grams for designated categories.

24. Negotiate compliance for all contracts within assigned categories.

25. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.