Job Title: Category Manager – Food
Position Type: Full-Time
About On The Fly
On The Fly is a rapidly expanding convenience store and gas station franchise – with locations across 5 states – committed to offering an elevated customer experience. We offer a wide range of products, including high-quality convenience items, fresh foods, and beverages. Our mission is to provide the best value and convenience to our customers through a dynamic assortment of products and services, all backed by exceptional customer service.
Position Overview
The Food Category Manager leads and oversees the complete food program for all convenience-store and QSR locations. This role owns category strategy, product development, pricing, vendor partnerships, and in-store execution. The Food Category Manager is responsible for growing sales, improving margins, ensuring quality and consistency, and driving the success of our food operations company-wide.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership
- Own and manage the full food category portfolio including packaged food, grab-and-go, prepared food, and QSR menu items.
- Develop the strategic direction for all food offerings, seasonal programs, and category growth initiatives.
- Serve as the primary decision-maker for food assortment, pricing, promotions, and product lifecycle.
Vendor & Supplier Management
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with foodservice vendors, distributors, and QSR partners.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, promotional funding, rebates, and service expectations.
- Evaluate vendor performance and ensure alignment with company standards and goals.
Pricing, Promotions & Merchandising
- Develop and maintain competitive pricing strategies that support margin targets.
- Create and manage promotional calendars, LTOs, menu updates, and new product launches.
- Oversee planograms, merchandising standards, menu boards, and in-store presentation across all locations.
Operations Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations to ensure food programs are executed accurately and consistently.
- Provide training, communication, and rollout support for new items, processes, and equipment.
- Partner with Supply Chain to optimize inventory, reduce waste, and ensure in-stock availability.
Performance Management
- Monitor and analyze category sales, movement, margin, shrink, and guest trends.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend strategic adjustments.
- Prepare regular reports and updates for leadership on food program results.
Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in QSR, convenience-store, or retail food category management or foodservice leadership.
- Strong understanding of food programs, guest behavior, and operational requirements in a c-store/QSR environment.
- Proven success managing multiple categories, launching products, and leading vendor relationships.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional partnership abilities.
- Ability to travel to stores, vendors, and industry events as needed.
Why Join On The Fly?
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to be part of a fast-growing brand with a strong commitment to innovation and quality.
- Work in a supportive and collaborative environment with room for growth.
- Be a key player in shaping the future of convenience store alcohol retailing.
If you’re ready to take your category management expertise to the next level and help us elevate the On The Fly experience, we’d love to hear from you!