Category Manager (Private Label)

Req ID: 452063 

Benefits: Paid Time Off, 401(k) – 100% Match up to 5%, Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Tuition Assistance Program, Hiring Immediately 

BASIC PURPOSE: The Private Label Category Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and management of private label products within a specific category. This role is crucial for driving the success of private label products and ensuring they meet market demands and company goals. This full-time position is located at Love's corporate office in Oklahoma City.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Market Research: Conduct market research to identify new product opportunities and trends.
• Product Strategy: Develop and implement strategies for private label products.
• Supplier Negotiation: Negotiate with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Manage the lifecycle of products from concept to launch.
• Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, merchandising, & cross-functional supporting  teams to ensure product success.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor and analyze product performance, making data-driven decisions for the brand.
• Compliance: Ensure products comply with industry regulations and quality standards.
• Budget Management: Manage budgets and financial performance of private label products.
• Supplier Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Packaging and Branding: Oversee packaging design (with Packaging & Product Specialist) and brand marketing efforts.
• Competitive Analysis: Conduct competitive analysis to stay ahead of market trends.
• Reporting: Prepare and present reports on product performance to senior management.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with private label products.
• Continuous Improvement: Seek opportunities for product improvement and innovation.
• Other Duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Arts or a related field preferred
• 3 years of experience in product management, category management, brand management or a similar role preferred
• Strong understanding of market trends and consumer behavior.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong capacity to negotiate and manage supplier relationships.
• Experience with product lifecycle management a plus. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
• Experience with budget management and financial analysis preferred. 
• Some knowledge of industry regulations and quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for design.
• Ability to travel as needed.

SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Skills:
  • Hard skills: Knowledgeable and proficient within Microsoft Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint etc), strong analytical skills, working pricing and promotions knowledge, planograms, space- planning knowledge
  • Product Development and sourcing timelines knowledge—on both the Domestic and International side 
  • Accounting and Financial retail basics.
• Soft Skills: 
  • A personable leader who can inspire others to a common goal
  • Strong and clear communication skills
  • Builder with organizational capability to achieve results through others
  • A leader who "owns" his/her brand and drives results
  • Someone who is passionate to win with Love’s brands
  • Aggressive results-driver who is not intimidated by setbacks or challenges. 
• Typical Physical Demands:
  • Scheduling flexibility and Travel availability as role/projects require
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
  • Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Job Function(s): Corporate 

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is the industry-leading travel stop network in the United States. For more than 55 years, we’ve provided customers with highway hospitality and “Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” We’re passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities stocked with fuel, food and supplies. We offer meals from popular restaurant chains, trucking supplies, showers and everything needed to get back on the road quickly. The Love’s Family of Companies includes:

• Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets
• Speedco, the light mechanical and trucking service specialists
• Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader
• Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert