Director, Global Center of Excellence

Job Summary

The Director of the Global Center of Excellence (GCOE) strengthens the proficiency of the global Category Management and Merchandising teams by designing, implementing, and continuously evolving learning programs, training curricula, process documentation, and tools integration frameworks. This role leads the development of structured learning pathways, oversees global merchandising training execution, and partners cross‑functionally to identify skill gaps, process improvement opportunities, and long‑term capability needs. The Director embeds strategic initiatives, best practices, and change management principles into all learning platforms. A critical aspect of this role is establishing consistent training resources, standardized processes, and governance to support the evolution of Category Management and Merchandising across markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the global Merchandising training and capability strategy with the Head of Global Merchandising Excellence.
• Build and manage the annual Merchandising Training Plan and budget, including setting annual learning requirements, training schedules, monthly forums, and on‑demand training.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate learning & development programs; measure training effectiveness and continuously improve the learning infrastructure.
• Partner with Global Merchandising, Business Units (BU) and cross‑functional leaders to identify skill, process, and capability gaps.
• Integrate new Merchandising tools, processes, and ways of working into Category Management into training curricula. Collaborate with Global HR to support Emerging Leaders and other corporate programs.
• Enable sharing of best practices and insights across regions and teams, and facilitate change management efforts for critical Merchandising initiatives.
• Identify job profiles and core competencies for the Category Management and Merchandising functions. Support onboarding and new‑hire training.
• Maintain relationships with internal and external partners, industry experts, and vendors to keep training programs current and in alignment with company strategy.
• Develop and maintain end‑to‑end process documentation for Merchandising, establishing a governance framework with clear ownership and accountability.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to one direct report responsible for executing ongoing training and development programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field; Master’s or certifications are an asset.
• 7–10 years of experience in Category Management, Merchandising, or related roles, with demonstrated success in executing category and/or merchandising strategies.
• Experience designing and delivering training programs, workshops, or presentations in a formal learning, onboarding, or internal development capacity.
• Good understanding of talent management, succession planning, training methodologies, and organizational development practices.
• Proficiency in applying appropriate training and change management frameworks tailored to project needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior executive leadership and cross‑functional teams to drive organization‑wide change.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts into compelling training materials or presentations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, and familiarity with SharePoint and other learning or communication platforms.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing team members.
• Flexibility to work across global time zones. Ability to travel up to 15% of time, including internationally; valid passport and travel documentation required.

Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws.  Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

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