Convenience Retail Category & Brand Manager

DescriptionJob Purpose: This role is fully responsible for launching new CR shops and managing daily operations to achieve the country’s CR targets. It ensures compliance with brand, operational, merchandising, and HSSE standards through audits and asset counts. The role oversees QSR operational standards and integrates with the Retail business, working closely with marketing to keep the brand relevant and aligned with its promise. Principle AccountabilitiesDefine and develop strategic category plans for the shop network and ensure compliance at all times. Monitor market and competitor behaviour, propose and develop alternative responses with regard to customer offer.

Review, implement and standardize space layout, pricing, ranging/assortment strategy, by store type and by buying missions. Monitor in-store compliance against the VE CR Operational standards. Draw understandable planograms by category of product and by store, in line with agreed merchandising strategy and monitor compliance. Ensure shop offerings are managed according to the agreed strategy and standards (manual, merchandising, agreements, etc. ). Contract holder for supplier contracts and ensure adherence to terms and conditions of supply agreements.

Be an active point of contact for the right supply chain strategy implementation on a daily basis in line with agreed contractual terms (delivery standards, rebates, purchasing etc. ) & manage related administrative tasks. Train, motivate and coach TMs, merchandisers, shop staff and dealers - give assistance and support to the retailers to increase profitability, and improve their know-how and expertise in selling FMCG products. Proactively track Business performance - analyze P&L data and identify gaps by site, while anticipating corrective actions to continuously outpace growth targets.

Optimize and qualitatively enhance portfolio of suppliers to maximize value to consumers, retailers and Vivo Energy. Participate in development and presentation of quality Business Reviews, aiming to prove profitable success of CR Category Management strategy. Monitor food quality and hygiene standards by implementing ad hoc audits and quality control measures for all food partners according to their brand requirements. Ensure offer execution in compliance with marketing plans by negotiating appropriate terms with suppliers, arranging national & local promotions and providing shop promotional support.

Create and execute the brand strategies and marketing plans for the brands, including managing both the existing product portfolio and new product launches. Manages the day-to-day activities associated to all marketing efforts, including, project management, creative development, cross-functional implementation, campaign tracking and reporting as necessary. Works closely with all relevant Media departments to integrate media mix plans. Develop and execute national advertising and promotional activities to effectively communicate the strategic positioning and lifecycle development of products to customers. Be the owner of pricing in the relevant brands.

Key ChallengesSpeed of delivery is essential without compromising on standards, quality and sustainability of initiatives taken. Delivering on a very ambitious plan over the next 4 years. Retailer management and creating a new skill set for fuels retailers. Ensuring that our CR offer is competitive and attractive to our customers. Ensuring that we maintain high service standards and adherence to operational standards in all our shops. RequirementsGraduate in Business Management, Sales, Marketing or any other related field. 5 to 6 years of Category Management experience in the Retail/FMCG field with experience in shop formats, merchandising, range & category management, and supplier management.

Ability to uncover customer needs and develop suitable customer offers. Strong people management skills and the ability to coach and train others. Pragmatic, hands-on and ability to spend substantial time travelling in the field/on site – requires driving license. Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task and manage several priorities simultaneously. Ability to respect, abide by and uphold standards. Demonstrable negotiation skills. Mastery of Excel.