Gastro Category Management Team Lead

As Gastro Category Management Team Lead, you will take ownership of managing assigned Gastro product categories, ensuring alignment with the Group’s strategy and business goals. You will drive category performance by developing and implementing effective 4P+2P strategies, monitoring market trends, and building strong supplier partnerships. In this role, you will also enhance operational standards, lead and develop the team, and foster close collaboration across functions to deliver a customer-focused, efficient, and high-performing category management operation.

As Gastro Category Management Team Lead, you will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and implement Gastro's strategy in terms of product, pricing policy, procurement and merchandising. Develop new sales channels, such as restaurants and events
• Develop performance KPI plans for the Gastro categories, regularly monitoring and controlling the indicators. Track market and competition trends, ensuring data-driven decision-making 
• Prepare and lead commercial negotiations and the procurement process for Gastro products, managing joint business plans with strategic suppliers. Participate in the selection and implementation of appropriate Gastro equipment in service stations (SeS)
• Help design layouts to maximize sales space, sales volume, and store profitability. Coordinate the development of sales plans, estimate and marketing activities for the Gastro categories (in cooperation with the Retail Marketing department)
• Develop and follow up action plans for low-performing categories and products. Ensure compliance of the commercial activity with the regulations in force and with the HACCP standards
• Monitor the latest customer and industry trends, competitor activities, and internal best practices. Contribute to the development of colleagues' professional skills and provides constant feedback to improve performance and efficiency
• Cultivate within the team a culture of respect and appreciation for customers, suppliers, colleagues and other relevant partners
• Collaborate with the Group's Gastro team to ensure the alignment of strategic projects and daily operations with the Group's standards

To be successful in the role, you should have: 
 

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in retail
• At least 5 years’ experience in a leadership role
• Experience in HoReCa/gastronomy, canteens or restaurants is an advantage
• Knowledge of retail sales, rules, HACCP and regulations for commercial activity in Romania
• Very good communication and leadership skills, results-oriented, customer orientation
• Excellent negotiation skills - extensive experience in negotiations with suppliers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• English – fluent

What is in it for you?

MOL fosters a collaborative work environment focused on people, customers and you`ll have the chance to work in one of the biggest and most dynamic companies in Romania. 
You’ll work in a fast-paced, international environment and you`ll have the opportunity to leave your footprint on supporting business growth.

Additionally, we offer:

• Great international work environment, supportive team
• Business exposure & career opportunities
• Our benefits package includes private medical subscription, meal tickets, significant sports subscription discount, Christmas and Easter bonuses, Bookster subscription, loyalty bonus, life events bonuses, MOL Move VIP level, fresh corner coffee, refreshments and fruits on the house, on-site office massage, etc.

MOL Romania is a subsidiary of MOL Group and one of the leading oil companies in Romania, with a 30-year presence on the local market. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including fuel trading, lubricants, petrochemicals, and bitumen. Presently, the company operates 238 service stations across the country, along with two fuel depots in Giurgiu and Tileagd, and an LPG terminal in Tileagd. MOL Romania is headquartered in Cluj-Napoca, the business headquarters in Bucharest, an administrative office in Arad and a team of 258 employees.
MOL Group is an independent and international oil and gas company active in over 40 countries with a dynamic international workforce and a track record of more than 100 years in the industry.