Category Management Director, Fresh Foods & Bakery

Director, Category Management – Fresh Foods & Bakery

This role leads the strategy, planning, and execution of Fresh Foods & Bakery category management at RaceTrac. As a key partner to the executive team, you’ll shape category strategy, drive profitability, and build an environment where teams grow, innovate, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Your leadership ensures our categories stay competitive, efficient, and aligned with RaceTrac’s business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary voice and point of contact for Category Management across planning and operations
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing category management team through feedback, training, and knowledge sharing
• Partner cross-functionally to align strategic direction and execute consistent planning and analytical goals
• Drive category growth and profitability through strong negotiations, competitive promotions, and industry-leading programs
• Develop and execute category strategies, financial targets, and guest service goals
• Ensure contract negotiations and vendor strategies align with RaceTrac’s best interests
• Oversee product mix, pricing, costs, and promotional strategies using data-driven insights
• Strengthen and maintain key vendor and internal stakeholder relationships
• Approve, prioritize, and monitor category expenditures
• Lead process improvement initiatives that increase efficiency and simplify work for both Guests and Associates

Success Measures (First 3–6 and 6–12 Months)

First 3–6 Months:

• Build strong relationships with category team members, vendors, and cross-functional partners
• Gain a deep understanding of Fresh Foods & Bakery performance, opportunities, and challenges
• Align category strategies with RaceTrac’s broader business goals

6–12 Months:

• Deliver measurable improvements in category profitability and sales growth
• Strengthen team capability through development, engagement, and succession planning
• Implement process and analytical improvements that enhance planning, execution, and guest satisfaction

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
• 7+ years of professional experience in category management, procurement, merchandising, product management, or a related field
• Defined P&L experience
• Food service or fresh food category experience
• Proven people leadership and supervisory experience
• Strong strategic thinking, financial acumen, and negotiation skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence at senior levels
• Retail industry experience
• Project management experience

Who You’ll Work With

• Reports to: Executive Director
• Works closely with: Category Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, and key vendor partners
• Team environment: Collaborative, fast-paced, and focused on doing what’s right for the guest

Fueled by Growth, Driven by You 

At RaceTrac, our people make the difference. Whether you’re working in a store, at our corporate office, or on the road, you’ll be part of a team that brings energy, innovation, and a passion for serving others every day. We support each other, celebrate wins big and small, and create opportunities for growth at every level. With four operating divisions RaceTrac, RaceWay, Energy Dispatch, and Gulf - there’s always a new challenge to take on and a new path to pursue. Join us and discover how far your career can go.   

To see what #LifeatRaceTrac is like, visit our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram pages. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with RaceTrac without regard to their race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations