Director of Category ManagementWe are looking for a Director of Category Management to lead enterprise-wide category strategy and drive profitable growth across key product lines. This role partners closely with Sales, Merchandising, and supplier partners to develop and execute initiatives that strengthen our position across the foodservice distribution landscape.
What You'll Bring to the Table- Drive category growth by increasing exclusive brand penetration across all divisions
- Recruit, train, and develop top talent with expertise in category management
- Collaborate with Sales and Margin Management teams to optimize profitable sales growth within assigned categories
- Coordinate regional sales initiatives and category-focused sales blitzes in partnership with local sales teams
- Develop and execute promotional activities in collaboration with division leadership
- Implement brand strategy initiatives by working closely with merchandising to enhance product offerings
- Identify and close product gaps by converting accounts to exclusive brands and expanding product lines
- Develop category-specific training programs to support local leadership and sales teams
- Present category strategies and performance results to senior leadership
- Enhance customer retention and penetration by partnering with Sales leadership to target existing customers
- Support acquisition integration efforts, including onboarding new suppliers and aligning product strategies across the enterprise
- Negotiate marketing programs and supplier agreements in partnership with merchandising teams
- Participate in RFP processes to secure competitive supplier contracts
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing and product availability
- Drive key performance metrics including sales growth, exclusive brand penetration, cases per drop, and lines per drop
The Ingredients for Success- Bachelor's degree required
- 10+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, category management, or foodservice distribution
- Expertise in private brand product development
- Experience sourcing products across domestic and international markets
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to execute against financial targets
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present to executive leadership
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or similar platforms
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to travel as needed
Preferred Ingredients- Experience in non-foods category management preferred
- Experience working in multi-division or enterprise environments preferred
- Strong background in supplier negotiations and contract management
The Details- Schedule: MON - FRI | Standard business hours
- Work Location: Onsite
- Travel: Travel as needed to support regional teams and supplier relationships
- Compensation: $125,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k)
Apply today and be part of a team that is driving growth across the food industry!Mon - Fri | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
