Break Time Category Manager

Overview

The Break Time Category Manager is responsible for managing the product mix within the assigned categories, including selecting products, ensuring appropriate product and vendor set up, and evaluating profitability. This position develops and maintains effective vendor relationships and works with the Break Time marketing team to coordinate product offerings, monitor sales, and develop dynamic sales promotions for assigned product categories inside our 70+ convenience stores across Missouri.

MFA Petroleum Company is an Equal Opportunity/Drug-Free Employer.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with category vendors; communicate orders and delivery requirements; manage vendor contracts to enhance profitability
• Evaluate available product offerings and select product assortment aligned with customer demand
• Continuously analyze current product mix and new product offerings to identify opportunities for growth and enhanced profitability
• Review vendor promotions for expected success within Break Time stores; select and implement promotions and track results
• Research data relevant to the success of assigned products, including consumer and industry trends
• Evaluate priorities and develop strategies and tactics for each assigned category based on performance, industry trends and overall company impact
• Review, evaluate and assess retail sales and gross profit statistics; adjust product mix accordingly and/or address operational issues with appropriate team members
• In coordination with Break Time marketing team, develop product promotions to enhance revenue and gross profit
• Establish product pricing according to profitability guidelines and competitive environment
• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate planograms, continuously monitoring product placement to accommodate product changes and promote optimal product turn
• Develop and maintain strong category knowledge, including but not limited to product lines, industry and culture trends, and any associated regulations
• Communicate product and vendor information to store management teams as needed
• Ensure proper setup of suppliers and products through legal, accounting and pricebook, timely communicating vendor changes and product specifications
• Support point of purchase merchandising as it relates to assigned categories, products and promotions, communicating with other category professionals and field merchandisers to ensure a coordinated approach within the stores
• All MFA Oil employees are expected to know and adhere to company and position specific policies and procedures. While this job description contains the primary duties of the position, employees may be expected to perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field or a minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in a retail environment
• High School diploma or equivalent
• General knowledge of a retail sales environment
• Business acumen including the ability to understand and calculate sales and profit statistics
• Excellent analytical, creative, and organizational skills
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey information concisely using proper grammar
• Project management skills
• Ability to be self-motivated, results-driven and resourceful
• Availability to travel statewide regularly to visit the convenience stores and nationally or regionally occasionally for trade shows and regularly visit the convenience stores
• Valid/current driver's license
• Ability to learn new concepts and use technical materials
• Ability to consistently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Ability to exchange accurate information with MFA Oil Company employees, vendors and customers in English
• Ability to meet company requirements including successful pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Preferred Skills

• Ability to effectively present to individuals, as well as small and large groups
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to work at a fast pace
• Ability to provide accurate and thorough work with attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, growing organization and rapidly changing environment
• Ability to multi-task and context-switch effectively between different activities and teams

ABOUT MFA PETROLEUM COMPANY

MFA Petroleum is a subsidiary of MFA Oil Company, a farmer-owned cooperative founded in 1929. MFA Petroleum operates Break Time convenience stores in Missouri and a Big O Tires franchise in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas.

MFA Oil supplies fuels, lubricants, and propane to customers in Missouri, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. MFA Oil also operates BluSphere Energy, a solar panel installation company, and APM, a wholesale fuel distributor.

BENEFITS

Our benefits are designed to invest in you! We offer a comprehensive benefits structure for regular full-time positions, including competitive wages, paid time off, paid company holidays, and the opportunity for eligible employees to share in company success through profit sharing and/or performance incentives. Health benefits include medical, dental, vision, an employee assistance program and company-paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability. Our retirement benefits include a 401(k) plan with a company match offering pre-tax and Roth options.

OUR CULTURE

The core values of MFA Oil are aligned with our purpose and are the cornerstones upon which our culture is built.

• Put Customers First
• Respect Everyone - Demonstrate high regard or show special attention to customers, coworkers, vendors… everyone you come in contact with.
• Provide Excellent Service - Go the extra mile to ensure our customers are happy and satisfied with our products and services.
• Deliver on Your Promises - Do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it. Every time.
• Be Tenacious
• Give Your Best - Always give your best effort and seek to improve every day.
• Never Settle - Settling can lead to compromising on effort and quality of work. Find a way forward and don't settle for "It can't be done."
• Work Passionately - Passion accelerates your abilities, propels you to overcome obstacles and shows customers and co-workers that you care.
• Lead by Example
• Do the Right Thing - When we let honesty and integrity be our guide, we will always be headed in the right direction.
• Take Ownership - Each of us must be accountable for ourselves, our colleagues, our customers and our company.
• Act with Empathy - When we recognize and understand each other's challenges, we communicate better and grow stronger as a team.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

We believe there's always room to learn and grow, from entry-level employees to senior leaders. Opportunities exist for internal advancement and professional development including on-the-job training. Educational expense assistance is available for employees seeking to continue their education ambitions aligned with their employment within the company.