TheDirector, CategoryManagementwill lead Arby’smenu strategy &innovation roadmapwhile working in a dynamic, demanding environment with a team that values bold thinking, collaboration, and results driven execution.Thisindividualwilllead the recommendation on how we drive the business through our beverage and food categories, sub-categories, and products. Inclusive of core menu and limited time offerings.
The rolewill require an individual toidentify, develop, and testfoodinnovation withinexisting core &white space categories,whilemanaging the day-to-day processes for theFood Category Management teamtoensureproper execution ofcategory and product promotionalwindows. This person will alsobe responsible formanaging the team’s research budget and generating insights on how existing categories are performing from a sales/profit standpointand howArby’scanoptimizethose categories. The role will closely partner with the culinary team, whois responsible fordeveloping products against category management briefs and the gold standard of team member and consumer experience.
This role demands an individual who is skilled at partnering withinternal and externalcross-functional groups, including franchiseestakeholdersto work together to find solutions for complex projects. This rolehas highvisibilityand this individualwill interact regularly with senior management to provide recommendations and guidance that supportsArby’soverall businessobjectives.
Responsibitilies:
1. Lead teamrecommendationofshort and long-term food menustrategyand tacticsin order tomeet brand and businessobjectivesand drive sustainablelong termgrowth.
2. Define the roadmap for core & white space innovation while leading the workstream to develop and testnew itemsin innovation stores.
3. Monitor item and category performanceto deliver actionable insightsfor categories to maximize sales and profit growth.
4.Peoplewithin the organizationwith 5 direct reports,leading teamprioriites, providing guidance & feedback in 1:1s, andreviewing team member career goals on an ongoing basis.
6.Serve as a leader in change management, continually seeking methods to improve ways of working andimproveteamefficiencies.
7. Manageresearch budget and ensure the team is maximizing learningsand insights to inform decisions.
Requirements:
4 Year Degree in Business Related Field
10+ Years in Category Management - Restaurant Experience is mandatory
Exceptional interpersonal skillsanddemonstratedability in working with key executives and stakeholders to solve anddrivetobusiness outcomes.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills; comfortable with P&L workings.
Ability tolead a team asapeople-managerin a fast-paced environment.
Understandshow to take products or programs through a commercialization process.
Data-driven thinking with the ability to effectively diagnose a problem or assess a situation to drive to a smart business solution.
Self-starterwith a bias for action, whotakes ownership ofprojectsand drives them forward without constant supervision.
Has a passion for the restaurant industry,particularly for food, &a desire to lead first, best, only
Wiltrain in stores andconnect with operators on an ongoing basis to evaluate opportunities for menuinnovation, renovation, & operation.
Carriesa positive attitude every day andis someone whodesiresto grow in the role andwithinthe marketing organization.
Travel Required - 10% - Supplier visits,market visits,1-2 conferences per year.
5 Direct Reports