Joseph Mailhot
Lancaster
Summary
Dynamic category management leader with over 30 years of experience driving profitable growth in fresh and center store categories. Expertise in leveraging consumer insights, optimizing assortments, and implementing pricing and merchandising strategies to enhance market share and profitability. Proven track record in leading category reviews, fostering vendor partnerships, and executing negotiations that yield significant cost savings. Recognized for a collaborative approach across merchandising, supply chain, marketing, and operations, with a strong ability to build high-performing teams and spearhead transformative initiatives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Category Business Manager- Center Store
Northeast Shared Services
Williamsville, NY
05.2025 - Current
- Oversee profit and loss responsibilities for commercial bread , sweet baked goods, and cookie cracker categories across 2 operating companies which includes 280 stores in six states resulting in over $265M in annual sales, driving revenue growth of over +1.45%, and increasing positive market share gains.
- Develop and implement assortment pricing and promotional strategies to elevate sales margins and enhance shopper engagement.
- Partner with national, regional, and local CPG manufacturers to formulate joint business plans and boost promotional ROI.
- Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, promotions, and product placement to maximize margin and improve category performance.
- Leverage IRI/Nielsen and internal data to pinpoint growth opportunities and optimize shelf productivity.
- Collaborate across functions to ensure strategic alignment and effective execution at the store level.
Manager of Fresh Bakery Merchandising
Northeast Shared Services
Williamsville, NY
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Oversaw all aspects of Fresh Bakery departments across Northeast Grocery Inc.’s retail banners, managing $200M+ in sales, margin, shrink, and profitability.
- Led a team of Category Business Managers, Coordinators, and Supply Chain Analysts to achieve sales and margin goals, fostering collaboration on key projects.
- Developed business strategies and promotional plans to grow store brand penetration and market share, aligning with corporate objectives.
- Conducted Omni-channel market analysis to identify trends and innovative products, enhancing customer experience and market position.
- Led vendor negotiations and private label development in the Bakery to enhance margin mix and expand product assortment.
- Negotiated supplier costs, reducing cost of goods sold by $100K+ and improving ROI on promotions and assortment.
- Drove store level execution through merchandising compliance, promotional accuracy, and ongoing field communication.
Category Business Manager
Tops Markets, LLC
06.2018 - 05.2023
- Created annual Category Business Plans and customer-centric product portfolios for Fresh Bakery and Center Store Grocery (Cookie Cracker, Specialty, Main Meal, Ethnic, Natural).
- Grew Fresh Bakery sales by 8.6% and margin by 6.91% YOY, achieving positive market share growth.
- Increased Center Store sales by 4.68% and margin by 3.28% over three consecutive years.
- Led cross-functional relaunch of Metro Store Marketing Plan with Merchandising, Operations, Promotions, Marketing, and Procurement teams.
- Negotiated supplier agreements, driving $1M+ YOY sales increases with a Specialty Foods distributor.
- Optimized pricing and shelf presentation based on analytics, maximizing sales and shopper satisfaction.
Store Manager
Tops Markets, LLC
09.2008 - 06.2018
- Oversaw daily operations of a high volume retail grocery store, with full accountability for sales, customer service, staffing, merchandising, and P&L performance.
- Directed and developed a team of 100 associates and department heads, driving productivity, morale, and customer experience excellence.
- Achieved consistent sales and margin growth by executing company merchandising plans, optimizing inventory turnover, and improving front end efficiency.
- Championed store level execution of corporate initiatives, including seasonal promotions, product launches, and community engagement programs
- Served as Key Trainer preparing new Store, Assistant, and Operations managers for leadership roles.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZBachelor of Science - undefined
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZSkills
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Merchandising & Organizational Skills
- Financial (P&L) Management
- Effective Communication
- Data Analysis & Negotiation
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Analytical Thinking
- Retail Operations Management
Affiliations
- University of Phoenix Alumni Association
Certification
- Tops Penn State Business Academy – University of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
- Principles of Leadership and Supervision – Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- Effective Communication and Leadership – Dale Carnegie Training, Getzville, NY
Timeline
Category Business Manager- Center Store
Northeast Shared Services
05.2025 - Current
Manager of Fresh Bakery Merchandising
Northeast Shared Services
05.2023 - 05.2025
Category Business Manager
Tops Markets, LLC
06.2018 - 05.2023
Store Manager
Tops Markets, LLC
09.2008 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - undefined
University of Phoenix
Master of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
Honors
- Store Manager of the Year, Buffalo East District 2017
- Holistic Community Involvement of the Year Award 2017
- Millionaires Club Award ($1M+ EBITDA in store earnings) 2013