FreshEdge is looking for a
Category Manager of Non-Foods & Disposables who will own category performance and translate merchandising strategy into consistent execution across our operating companies. This role requires hands-on ownership, practical judgment, and the ability to influence in a decentralized environment.
This is a growth-oriented role for a Category Manager who wants to dramatically expand and improve a category, not simply manage day-to-day execution. The right candidate will bring energy, initiative, and a willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of better results.
Essential Functions:- Own category performance across sales, margin, product mix, inventory productivity, and other key measures
- Turn category direction into clear, executable plans across Merchandising, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sales
- Actively pursue new vendor, assortment, and pricing opportunities that accelerate category growth
- Leverage your existing vendor relationships within non-foods and disposables to accelerate growth and improve commercial terms
- Evaluate vendor programs, freight structures, and material cost drivers (e.g., resin, pulp, corrugate) to optimize net product cost
- Identify opportunities to consolidate volume with strategic suppliers while protecting service and assortment flexibility
- Stay current on market drivers impacting non-foods categories, including raw material volatility and supply chain dynamics
- Actively expand and strengthen relationships with key national and regional suppliers
- Eliminate underperforming items and complexity with discipline and speed
- Raise performance expectations and collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure execution
- Determine which vendors and assortments should scale across the network while respecting local needs
- Identify growth opportunities and quickly remove unproductive items or complexity
- Drive adoption across independently operated OpCos by tying recommendations to local economics and service models and developing compelling value propositions
- Keep customer needs, competitive dynamics, and operational realities front and center in decisions
Competencies: - Deep familiarity with non-foods and disposable product categories and supplier landscape
- Strong network of supplier contacts within packaging, disposables, and related segments
- Understanding of cost drivers in non-food categories, including raw materials, freight, and manufacturing inputs
- Ability to negotiate programs and pricing structures beyond list pricing
- Strong ownership mindset with a bias toward action and a desire to win
- Commercially driven and motivated by measurable results
- Comfortable making decisions and standing behind them
- Practical, data-informed decision-maker
- Clear and effective communicator who can influence without relying solely on formal authority
- Strong cross-functional collaborator
- Comfortable operating in a growing, multi-site organization
- Ability to quickly gain proficiency navigating unfamiliar reporting systems and platforms
Education & Experience: - Direct experience managing non-foods, disposables, packaging, paper goods, chemicals, or related categories
- Demonstrated success negotiating vendor agreements and improving cost position within non-food segments
- Established vendor relationships within the non-foods and disposables industry
- Experience managing direct import programs is preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in category management or merchandising
- Experience working directly with vendors on cost, programs, and agreements
- Solid understanding of margins, product mix, and vendor performance
- Experience in decentralized or multi-site environments is preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Job Location: - Remote
- Up to 25% travel as business needs dictate
Compensation: - $140,000 - $160,000
- Eligible for annual bonus
Benefits: - Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life)
- Paid Time Off
- Holidays
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Weekly Paid
- Career Advancement Opportunities
