**Req ID:** 457767 **BASIC PURPOSE** : The Merchandising Planner will aid the Category Manager in creating, communicating, and executing all Merchandising strategies, within assigned categories, for 600+ Love’s Travel Stop locations. Critical in ensuring final execution, by ensuring proper communicating and planning occurs, in accordance with line review calendars. **MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:** + Assist in overseeing categories, from product selection, to in store execution; participate in overall Vendor & SKU management + Planogram creation, based on competitive trend analysis, and consultation with internal teams + Execute long term-term strategies, as outlined by the Category Manager, through tactical short-term initiatives + Extensive interaction with store operations, both in store, and field support + Utilize internal data sources to track general health and productivity of managed categories, and identify opportunities for improvement + Work with Supply Chain & Purchasing teams, to ensure in store fill rate is maintained at acceptable level + Help determine cost and retail strategies, as part of the product selection process + Develop, communicate, and implement initiatives that will grow managed categories + Establish and maintain relationships with vendor partners + Collaborate to drive sales and units, through intensive planning, communicating, and troubleshooting + Other duties assigned as needed **EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:** + Education: + HS Diploma or equivalent required + Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field preferred. + Experience: + Experience in Retail Merchandising Role preferred + Prior Merchandising, Purchasing, Category Management, or Planning Experience, in a retail setting, is required in some capacity. + Experience as a retail buyer, in category management, in merchandising, etc. a plus. **SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:** + Skills: + Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions + Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Pivot Tables, VLookups, etc.) + Other software including SAP applications or product lifecycle management a plus + Strong verbal and written communication skills, keen attention to detail, ability to multitask, strong organizational skills, flexible, good relationship skills. Ability to work with various levels of management, and self-motivated to take on additional tasks. + Typical Physical Demands: + Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping. + Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. + Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator. + Requires normal range of hearing and vision. + Must be available to travel when needed (traveling by car and plane about 10% of the time). \#LI-Onsite **Job Function(s):** Corporate Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is the industry-leading travel stop network in the United States. For more than 55 years, we’ve provided customers with highway hospitality and “Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” We’re passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities stocked with fuel, food and supplies. We offer meals from popular restaurant chains, trucking supplies, showers and everything needed to get back on the road quickly. The Love’s Family of Companies includes: + Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets + Speedco, the light mechanical and trucking service specialists + Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader + Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert EOE-Protected Veterans/Disability