Category Management Specialists’ primary responsibility is to support the Category Management team. This role will report to the Manager, Category Management, and will play a key role in bringing SONIC’s category strategy to life through the development, testing, and implementation of innovative product and menu opportunities. This team member will support cross-functional collaboration, data gathering, consumer and business insights, and strategic process management to help deliver compelling guest experiences and drive brand growth. The position requires strong attention to detail, and a passion for turning insights into impactful menu strategies that enhance the guest experience and contribute to overall success of the SONIC brand.

Responsibilities:

• Support Category Management Team menu strategies in the development of brand and business objectives

• Gather and socialize with Category Management Team overall industry performance, category level data points, market trends, and competitor pricing strategies

• Utilize internal sales data, customer feedback, and competitive information to assess the performance of menu items and categories. Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend adjustments to enhance overall profitability and customer satisfaction.

• Support optimization of the menu across channels (at the restaurant and in digital channels)

• Support Category Management team with all product test, evaluations, and system-wide launches

• Lead administrative efforts in product naming process, legal and research requests, communication plans and manage timing

Requirements:

• 4 Year Degree in Marketing or Business Preferred

• 2+ years of experience in Marketing, Data & Analytics, or related field

• Preference given to candidates with QSR experience

• Self-starter with excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously

• A basic understanding of brand marketing, consumer behavior, and category trends within the QSR industry

• The ability to analyze data and consumer insights to support business recommendations and category strategies

• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy, process management, and execution excellence

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing business priorities

• Strategic thinking with a balance of creativity and operational practicality

• Data-driven thinking with innate curiosity and growth mindset

• Strong business acumen and desire for process usage

• Strong presentation and storytelling skills with the ability to communicate clearly to various audiences

• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams like operations, supply chain, field, and marketing teams

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Excel

• Interest in food, beverage, and marketing trends, with a desire to learn and grow within category management and brand strategy

 

Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.

We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.