Sr Manager, Category-Food

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing. Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Military encouraged to apply. Job Description The purpose of this job is to lead a category team and manage a category (or categories) of products with the goal of increasing sales and gross profit dollars. Develop and own annual category plan and three-year strategic vision for each category; write and present annual budget plan to senior team Review category monthly and yearly performance financials and monthly review of profit and loss (P&L) performance Drive category review planning and presentation with direct report category team and support teams Maintain in-depth knowledge of all contracts and obligations to ensure that both Pilot Flying J (PFJ) and vendor adhere to the agreed-upon term and spirit of the contract or agreement Participate in industry events that add value to business planning process Visit stores to engage customers and team members in category directional feedback on products and promotions Lead vendor process including review of new products, business planning, cost negotiations, RFP execution, and supply chain management Maintain active involvement in inventory management and controls Study industry and category trends to support planning and development process Supervise and provide daily oversight of direct reports; select, coach, train, and develop direct reports, to include appraising job performance and conducting performance reviews Model behaviors that support the company's common purpose; ensure guests and team members are supported at the highest level Ensure all activities are in compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures Complete other duties as assigned Partner with culinary, innovation, and brand teams to deliver annual profit plan Partner with operations teams to ensure training and operational excellence Collaborate with brand and marketing teams on promotions and merchandising strategy Develop category business plans including product assortment, pricing, LTO's, and promotional calendars Ownership and cross collaboration across food & beverage category teams Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent certificate required Bachelor's degree in business or related field of study preferred Minimum five years' category management Specialized Knowledge Intermediate Microsoft Office skills Minimum five years' experience in food service or beverage service category management required Competencies Ability to think strategically and analytically in day-to-day decisions and long-range planning Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and mentor others on the team to do the same Ability to work independently or collaboratively on tasks Strong and effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills Ability to model agility and work effectively in a fast-paced, frequently changing business environment Ability to adapt to new technologies Travel Travel required less than 25%, overnight may be required Physical Requirements & Working Conditions General office work requiring sitting or standing for long periods of time Additional Information This position requires candidates to be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship Benefits Nation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision 401(k) and Flexible Spending Accounts Employee Fuel Discount Adoption Assistance Tuition Reimbursement Onsite Gym and Cafeteria Weekly Pay All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines Apply Now Job Details Job Title Sr Manager, Category-Food Position Type Full Time Date Posted 05/08/2026 Career Area Corporate Management Jobs Location(s) 5508 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, United States Job ID 03f581ce-ecf5-4514-a843-ac72a777ab3f Reference Number 31052 Apply Now Share Facebook X LinkedIn Email