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Job Description

**Job Title:** Category Space Planner

**Location:** Corporate – Wawa, PA

**Department:** Marketing

**Position Summary:** The Category Space Planner drives the space decision making process and production of plan-o-grams for category resets, as well as ad-hoc optimization projects. The Category Space Planner creates and maintains customer-centric plan-o-grams to align with the category strategy, presentation guidelines and return on space goals. This person works cross functionally with key partners to implement programs that support the individual category strategies.

Principal Duties

+ Utilize consumer data and internal category plans to create plan-o-grams in JDA that align with customer shopping behavior and the category selling strategy (price, brand or feature, etc.), while creating a positive shopping experience for our customers. Will work with floor planning team to create custom POGs, as needed.

+ Identify and execute strategies to increase sales, margin, and market basket through consideration of substitutability, customer purchase behavior, day-part, product locations, adjacencies and affinities.

+ Partner with category captains to ensure that the plan-o-grams support the category strategy and that Wawa merchandising standards are followed.

+ Effectively manage Space Planning processes, system standards and plan-o-gram naming conventions to ensure proper database relationships to Floor Planning and Assortment Management tools.

+ Create and build fixture libraries, as required, ensuring accurate fixture specifications and attribute assignments. Execute the process of importing product images and dimensions from Gladson to JDA, including the auto feed of article information.

+ Continuously reconcile article space to sales and profit analysis using systems and available space reporting to ensure that planograms provide adequate facings and capacity for top SKUs and minimize non-productive SKUs to assist with inventory management.

+ Work cross-functionally with the category teams, finance, store operations, operations engineers, quality assurance and vendor partners to ensure plan-o-grams comply with all regulatory statutes and support category and corporate initiatives.

+ Collaborate with store operations, merchandising and supply chain on the execution of space, assortment and replenishment tactics.

+ Work closely with the field merchandising team to ensure that plan-o-grams are executable at store level.

+ Resolve plan-o-gram related issues and concerns from store operations, vendors, customers and corporate associates. Take proper action when needed.

+ Support merchandising tests, new category initiatives and store design program plans that support the corporate and marketing strategies and vision of transforming the store environment.

+ Provide technical support through IT testing, implementation and training for new functionality within current systems, system upgrades and new software programs. Act as central point of contact for all listing requests and issues, including troubleshooting and resolution.

+ Effectively communicate plan-o-gram strategies, goals and objectives to all internal and external key partners.

+ Create and drive efficiencies through process improvements, system enhancements, and automation opportunities. Work closely with IT partners to identify and implement changes.

Essential Functions:

+ Detail oriented and excellent organizational skills

+ Excellent interpersonal skills

+ Strong analytical and strategic thinking skill set

+ Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to translate complex business concepts from various departments into clear, easy-to-understand language

+ Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment and build relationships, trust and rapport

+ Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently

+ Ability to influence and lead others without direct reporting responsibility

Basic Requirements** **:

+ 3+ years of experience in the retail/consumer packaged goods industry

+ Solid understanding of merchandising and category management principles

+ Strong business acumen and analytical skills

+ Experience working with Space Planning Software such as JDA, Blue Yonder, etc.

+ Proficient in Microsoft Excel

+ Ability to lift 40 lbs. of merchandise and/or equipment when necessary

+ Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline preferred

+ Space Management or plan-o-gram experience preferred

+ Knowledge of SAP BW or MicroStrategy preferred

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at [email protected] or 1-800-444-9292.

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.