Food Category Manager

Wallis Companies was founded in rural Cuba, MO in 1968, today we employ 1,200 individuals in three states, across multiple business divisions (Wholesale, Retail Operations, Lubricants, Transport, Great River Wash, and Support Divisions).  We're a proud Woman Owned Business, committed to doing good in our communities. 

We're an award-winning Midwestern distributor for Exxon-Mobil, Phillips 66, BP and other amazing brands, committed to operational excellence and exceptional service.   #WeAreWallis 

SUMMARY

The Food Service Category Manager is responsible for the day-to-day duties that support efficient operation of the food service categories.  This position will facilitate growth and development of food service by focusing on financial metrics, follow up, and safety to ensure flawless execution throughout the organization.  Responsibilities include providing analytical data, labor expenditures, sales figures, etc. to operations team, supervisor, and management as appropriate. The Category Manager will also be responsible for the development and implementation of various category specific marketing promotions to increase customer awareness and satisfaction, and to encourage targeted purchasing behaviors.  Crucial to this position is communication, support and interaction with multiple departments and teams, including Operations, the Commissary, Accounting, Pricebook, Marketing, etc.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES BY COMPETENCY:

 

Business Results Orientation

*Achieve targets for sales and margins and KPI’s for food categories

*Analyze assigned category of food service and devise an action plan to ensure best merchandising and financial results

*Manage supply chain to achieve margin targets and achieve customer needs

*Leverage tools for continuous improvement to enhance quality of packaging, supplies and materials

*Oversee inventory levels and labor expenditures and ensure TM is informed of exceptions

*Develop monthly store promotions to facilitate increased store traffic resulting in additional sales and ensure promotions are implemented properly

*Design marketing initiatives to promote customer satisfaction

*Own menu development by identifying the types of menu items, collaborating and communicating with the Commissary to ensure efficient and profitable execution

*Ensure consistent execution and achievement of food standards and food safety

*Create food group Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) focused on daily operational excellence

*Manage vendor relationships to ensure Wallis is cost competitive

*Identify variances from agreed-to food standards and enforces corrective actions

*Assess competitive landscape to identify and execute on market trends

*Maintain regular attendance

Ensure effective sampling calendars are set up and are used to drive sales

Perform other duties not listed as required

 

Communication

*Communicate with the Director of Merchandising on a regular basis on any issues that may affect the business   

*Promote communication throughout the Company and communicate goals and standards of all special projects and company events

*Maintain the highest levels of integrity and honesty inside and outside of the Company as well as be in professional conduct at all times and lead with confidence

*Own relationships with consultants: Menu equipment provider, culinary consultants, Kiosk consultants, other consultants as needed

*Document agreements with vendors and inspect performance to ensure that both company stores and franchisees receive everything upon which has been agreed

*Provide monthly communication of financial results to the managers, operation team and supervisor

*Communicate expectations of highest standards for cleanliness, safety, and sanitation

*Maintain and communicate plan-o-grams (POGs) for assigned categories

*Communicate retails and authorized item changes to retail accounting accurately and timely to ensure retails and authorized items are correct

Utilize a variety of communication methods as situations require

 

Customer Service Orientation

*Obtain a full understanding of the marketing areas to determine the best product mix and how to deliver what the customer wants

*Ensure locations are priced according to the company’s pricing strategies

*Complete site and/or customer visits as required
 *Ensure that advertising, promotions and public relations are aligned with company culture, mission and vision

*Respond to and resolve all customer and vendor inquiries in a professional and efficient manner

 

Developing Talent

*Establish methods or communicate established procedures to ensure all associates are properly trained in proper execution of program initiatives  

*Consistently evaluate and create new goals and incentives for the operations group and challenge locations to raise their own acceptable standards of performance

*Assist with store openings, grand openings and remodels to ensure execution of assigned categories are met

Attend training to further professional development and understanding of company goals and strategy

*Complete training as required to meet regulatory compliance and company guidelines

 

Technical Expertise

*Provide compliance information to employees regarding established product handling policies, procedures and standards

*Continuously benchmark company results against top quartile in industry

*Ensure proper tracking systems are set up for sales, waste and profitability

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry systems, new product development, and trends to predict vendor and external customer behaviors

*Ensure assigned category equipment is properly ordered and maintained

 

 

Safety

*Proactively inform Supervisor of unsafe conditions and behaviors, and recommends how to correct or eliminate them

*Refine and execute food borne illness procedures and communication protocols

*Lead by example by practicing safety in the workplace and adhering to Company Safety Policies and attending training as required

*Ensure food safety procedures and health department regulations are followed  

*Adhere to all Wallis Companies safety policies and report all safety incidents to supervisor immediately

 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct: None

Indirect: Food Service Field Supervisor 

The Food Service Category Manager is responsible for direction, coordination and evaluation of the food category in alignment with the Director of Merchandising and Director of Retail Operations’ expectations.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations are possible to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   (*denotes an essential qualification of the position)

 

Education:                  Preferred:  Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

 

Experience:                 *3+ years leading successful multi-site food service organization with responsibility in operational excellence, creative project management and food trend marketing

 

                                      Preferred:  Experience in the convenience store/retail industry

 

Skills and Abilities:     *Exceptional analytical skills

*Strong verbal and written communication skills

Requires a general knowledge of related organization policies and procedures and their application to cases not previously covered

Abilities to use considerable judgment to work independently toward general results, to devise new or modify and adapt existing methods, techniques and procedures to meet new or unusual requirements and to make related decisions controlled by precedent and within limits of established policies.

*Ability to handle multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment

*Strong problem-solving skills

*Extraordinary interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships

*Willingness to work long and unusual hours in a team effort

*Strong organizational and time management skills

Knowledge of government laws related to age restrictive products

Knowledge of health agency requirements

Excellent negotiation skills to obtain best vendor pricing and reduce costs

*Ability to positively challenge and motivate others

Capacity to adapt or modify processes, techniques and procedures to objectives and requirements

*Accommodation of occasional overnight travel

 

Technology, Tools,

And Equipment:        *Computer, *Microsoft Office, *Telephone, *Copy/Printer,
*Prophix, FocalPoint 

     * *Vehicle that adheres to Company Car Policy

 

Certificates, Licenses

and/or Registrations:    *Valid driver’s license, *MVR in compliance with Policy,

         Basic Sanitation Certification; Current/Valid ServSafe               certification,

         HAACP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point