Category Manager-Tobacco-Cigarettes and OTP

Job description

Nouria Energy Corporation is a multi-generational family-owned wholesale fuel distributor, convenience store operator and car wash operator in New England. Our wholesale and retail fuel businesses are multi-branded, which includes Shell, Mobil, Irving, Sunoco, Gulf, Valero, Citgo, Phillips 66, Exxon, and multiple unbranded brands. Our wholesale operations supply branded and unbranded fuel to 300+ locations across New England and New York. We are ranked within the top 50 largest convenience store chains in the country, operating 150+ company-operated locations throughout New England and ranked within the top 10 largest car wash chains in the country The Tobacco Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (OTP), including cigars, smokeless tobacco, modern oral nicotine, and related products within the convenience store channel. This role drives category growth, profitability, space optimization, assortment decisions, promotional planning, and supplier partnerships while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills, category management expertise, and deep knowledge of the tobacco industry to deliver sales, margin, and market share growth. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Performance Develop and execute short-term and long-term category strategies for Cigarettes and OTP. Analyze sales, market share, profitability, and shopper insights to identify growth opportunities. Establish category objectives, KPIs, and annual business plans. Monitor competitive activity, industry trends, and emerging nicotine products. Assortment Management Lead assortment decisions based on consumer demand, market conditions, and performance metrics. Optimize SKU productivity and shelf allocation. Manage new item introductions, item rationalization, and product lifecycle planning. Balance national brand, regional, and value-tier offerings. Pricing & Promotion Develop pricing strategies to maximize category profitability and competitiveness. Negotiate promotional programs with manufacturers and distributors. Evaluate promotion effectiveness and return on investment. Manage manufacturer contracts, allowances, rebates, and funding opportunities. Supplier Relationship Management Build strategic partnerships with key tobacco manufacturers and distributors. Lead business reviews and joint business planning sessions. Negotiate trade investments, rebates, and merchandising programs. Ensure alignment between supplier initiatives and company objectives. Space & Merchandising Develop planograms and merchandising standards. Optimize category placement and inventory levels. Identify opportunities to improve shopper engagement and category performance. Collaborate with operations teams to ensure execution excellence. Compliance & Regulatory Management Maintain compliance with FDA regulations and all federal, state, and local tobacco laws. Monitor changes in tobacco legislation and assess business impacts. Ensure all promotional and merchandising activities comply with regulatory requirements. Partner with legal and compliance teams when necessary. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, or related field. 5+ years of Tobacco Category Management experience. Strong analytical and financial acumen. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel Experience with syndicated data sources such as Circana (IRI), NielsenIQ, Experience with PDI and Market Link Pay Range: Nouria Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.