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Job Description
Job Summary: Provide strategic leadership in attaining or exceeding corporate and strategic goals related to assigned categories. Define, develop and implement with key cross functional stakeholders, the strategic business marketing plans required to ensure controllable category and cross category contribution to the long range plan. Utilize servant leadership principles that will aid in partnership development and team building.
Principal Duties:- Develop and execute category plans that are aligned with and support corporate goals and strategies. Use consumer research to ensure that the “Voice of the Customer” is included in all plans. Ensure annual category planning process drives continuous improvement.
- Define the category role, strategies, tactics and opportunities required to micro market space and price, plan assortment and promotions, increase market share, contribute to category growth and meet and anticipate the current and future consumer demands. Ensure Category Planning Teams are aligned with category plans and assortment decisions.
- Lead project-planning cycle to ensure the completion of key category initiatives. Develop, monitor and re-forecast financial plans and budgets that support the corporate financial plan. Develop the category’s target or hurdle rates for quantitative / qualitative measures of performance.
- Develop and nurture strategic vendor alliances required to identify synergies, promote mutual growth, maximize resources, ensure consumer focus and capitalize on market opportunities. Work cross functionally with logistics and suppliers to identify best supply chain management principles.
- Work with Associate Marketing Research Manager & Strategic Vendor Partners to conduct consumer research needed to meet category objectives. Conduct competitive market research required to maximize, monitor, evaluate and benchmark the progress of the category business plans and financial performance.
- Work with the Space Planning Manager and the other Category Teams to optimize space allocations and category performance.
- Work with the Advertising Manager to maximize the impact of advertising funds and resources in promoting the categories. Develop and execute advertising/promotional programs designed to grow the categories and support corporate initiatives.
- Work with Finance to drive improvement of analytical tools that assist in category planning and execution (space, price, assortment, and promotion), direct product profitability analysis, cost management/process improvement and budgeting/re-forecasting.
- Develop reports on category performance, issues and opportunities.
- Provide overall direction and support for team and monitor and assess individual work in accordance with high standards of excellence. Provide feedback, coaching, support, opportunities for development, complete performance appraisals, take corrective action when appropriate, and participate in hiring decisions.
Essential Functions:
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Analyze information and effectively propose solutions
- Highly developed consultative, facilitation, project management and presentation skills
- High degree of professionalism and confidentiality
- Handle multiple priorities simultaneously
- Work independently
- Strong negotiation skills
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Establish and maintain a working environment conducive to positive morale, individual style, quality, creativity, and teamwork
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred, Master’s Degree a plus
- Five + years of category management
- Experience with direct P&L responsibility
- Purchasing experience
- Experience managing work groups
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Advanced Excel skills
Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at [email protected].
Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.
Skills Required
- Five+ years of category management
- Experience with direct P&L responsibility
- Purchasing experience
- Experience managing work groups
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Advanced Excel skills
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Strong negotiation skills
- Highly developed consultative, facilitation, project management and presentation skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
Wawa Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Wawa and has not been reviewed or approved by Wawa.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings combine a 401(k) match with an employee stock ownership plan that can build significant long‑term value for eligible associates. The ESOP is repeatedly positioned as a standout component of total rewards for those who stay longer.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage are available with multiple prescription levels, alongside company‑provided life and disability coverage for full‑time associates and options for short and long‑term disability. Wellness screenings, health coaching, and tax‑advantaged accounts further support overall wellbeing.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid Time Off and paid parental leave are offered to eligible associates. Paid breaks and scheduling flexibility are also emphasized to support work‑life needs.
Wawa Insights
What We Do
Here at Wawa, the sky's the limit. Voted as “America’s Favorite Convenience Store,” Wawa operates a chain of convenience retail stores located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Washington D.C. We're fast-growing and expanding in 2025 and 2026. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for fresh, built-to-order foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATMs. We're making every day a little more fulfilling—one smile, hoagie, and experience at a time. We know that it's our Associates who put the "wow" in working at Wawa, so we're invested in giving them the encouragement they need to take flight. By providing flexibility and support, at work and beyond, we create an environment where everyone can thrive. We believe that with the right ingredients to grow and build a career—and a little wind beneath the wings—our Associates can reach new heights. Guided by our commitment to community, Wawa's 46K+ Associates take pride in putting people first, making days brighter, and bringing joy to our friends and neighbors. With opportunities such as volunteering, charitable giving, and events, we're able to extend care beyond the workplace, building stronger neighborhoods and long-lasting relationships. We have benefits that fuel well-being, including:* • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) • Tuition Reimbursement • 401(k) Plan • Medical/Dental/Prescription Coverage • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care & Dependent Care) • Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs • Employee Credit Union • Paid Time Off • Employee Resource Groups • Parental Leave • Wellness Programs *eligibility requirements may apply Got growth goals? Looking for a supportive flock? Soar with us!
