Category Manager

Founder at Pod Plug, the world’s first nightlife vending franchise. Generated $6M+ in sales, now expanding nationwide via franchising. Sharing my…

Job Title: Category Manager

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Compensation: $65,000 a year + bonuses

We are seeking a highly analytical, market-aware, and organized Category Manager to lead our product mix and category management strategy. This role is critical for optimizing the performance and profitability of our rapidly expanding vending machine network and supporting new franchise launches nationwide. This person must be highly skilled in category management and data analytics, capable of leveraging market trends and internal data to select high‑performing products, define pricing strategies, and maximize margins for both the franchisor and our franchisees.

You will play a core role in defining what products we sell and how they are sold, building strong supplier relationships, implementing product lifecycle improvements, and ensuring our planograms are optimized for maximum revenue in diverse markets.

• Lead the end-to-end category management function, including product selection, strategy development, performance analysis, and optimization of the product mix (planograms).
• Develop and maintain the official Authorized Product List (APL) for all franchise locations. This includes defining all approved products, their authorized sourcing channel (PP HQ, Approved Supplier, MSRP), and their mandated cost, retail, and margin structure, accounting for different market pricing needs.
• Execute new product testing and manage the product lifecycle from initial market research and evaluation through launch, A/B testing (using data tools like Excel), and eventual phase-out.
• Conduct continuous, proactive market research by analyzing sales data, visiting competitors and retail locations (e.g., convenience stores), and monitoring digital trends (e.g., Tik Tok, Instagram) to identify new, high‑potential products and emerging category trends.
• Develop and maintain an efficient product rollout and replenishment strategy roadmap for new franchise launches nationwide.
• Utilize data analytics to continuously measure and optimize key performance indicators, including:
• In‑stock rates (for both products and machines).
• Franchisee and Franchisor margins and product‑level profitability.
• Sales performance and demand forecasting for product selection by market.
• Support budgeting and cost‑reduction initiatives by making data‑driven decisions related to product cost, wholesale pricing, and category profitability.
• Track and report progress toward critical company financial metrics, including improving HQ margins and maintaining average gross revenue targets per machine.
• Research, evaluate, and negotiate competitive pricing and terms with product suppliers (China/Alibaba + US distributors) specifically for products within managed categories.
• Build and manage strong, reliable supplier relationships to ensure product quality, cost‑effectiveness, and on‑time delivery for category rollouts.
• Own product data integrity, ensuring all new products meet required standards, certifications, and safety compliance.

• Work alongside internal teams (operations, sales, finance) to align category strategy with overall business goals and forecast product demand.
• Communicate changes, product launch timelines, and inventory risks proactively to all stakeholders.
• Maintain weekly category performance reporting and operational dashboards for leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Data Analytics, or related field.
• 3+ years of direct experience in category management, product management, merchandising, or a highly related analytical role.
• Strong proficiency in data analytics and interpreting large datasets to drive strategic decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with US & Chinese suppliers (Alibaba experience preferred).
• Proficiency with Quick Books Online or similar financial/inventory management software.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and research skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication (written + verbal) for presenting market findings and product strategies.
• Growth mindset, process‑driven, and an independent problem‑solver.

• Familiarity with inventory management systems or ERPs.
• Experience in the vending, CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), or franchise operations sectors.
• Knowledge of international shipments (LCL/FCL) as it relates to category sourcing.

If interested, please send a 60‑second Loom video introduction to , CC: , and  Thank you.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Marketing and Sales

Retail