Associate Category Manager

Provides internal support for the ongoing maintenance and growth of company margin by working closely with all Channel’s Sales teams. Manages assigned product categories, working closely with the sales team to commercialize new items. The Associate Category Manager is a key liaison to Sales, Customer Service, Accounting, R&D, and outside vendors and a focal point in effective and efficient business administration. This position also will assist with daily operation of the marketing group, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow. Responsibilities include commercializing new products, conducting data analysis and reporting, managing product packaging renovations, setting up new items, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful product launches and ongoing product management. Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) Builds and fosters the growth of branded and private label products with key accounts via promotion, pricing, placement, and product management. Manages the commercialization process of new and/or reformulated items through PLM. Works with R & D on formulation of products for key accounts. Creates and maintains packaging designs for new and/or reformulated products. Works with Purchasing on inventory and packaging. Works with Operations on production scheduling. Works with management on pricing of new items to ensure all variable selling is accounted for and our margin targets are met. Provides necessary support to help manage products, customer orders, etc. utilizing SAP for source information. Participates and assists at regularly scheduled Sales and Marketing meetings and events. Provides support for assigned product category RFPs for distributor and customer opportunities as needed. Seeks company information, product pricing, product specifications, program allowances, legal documents and submits final proposals. Work closely with sales team to support our growth with target customers. Contribute to team effort by suggesting/accepting/executing special projects and other duties as assigned and/or required. Gathers and provides information for Sales and customer partners as needed. Represents C.H. Guenther at trade shows if needed. Attends food shows and helps to prepare booth, distributes and promotes products as needed. Education/Certifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Marketing, or equivalent experience; master’s degree or MBA is a plus. Valid Driver’s License Experience 2 - 5 years of experience in a Marketing position, preferably in the food manufacturing industry. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong computer skills, preferably: Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point, as well as SAP or similar systems. Strong analytic skills and the ability to think strategically. Works well in a team environment with the ability to collaborate effectively with others to gain cooperation and make decisions. Effective interpersonal and communication skills (listening, oral, written). Customer service oriented and comfortable interacting with both internal and external contacts of all levels, including brokers, customers, and vendors. Solid organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to work effectively under pressure and be flexible in working on multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent time management skills with the ability to effectively manage work load and meet deadlines. Demonstrate strong problem solving & decision making skills with little or no direction or supervision. Passionate about self-development and continuous learning. Supervisory Responsibilities N/A Working Conditions and Physical Effort Office environment. Light physical effort. Requires standing, sitting, walking, talking, seeing, hearing, fine dexterity, and handling of average‑weight objects up to 50 pounds. Minimal travel required (off‑site meetings, select customer events, and trade shows). Expectations Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values. $71,880.00 - $127,599.00 Actual compensation may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location. C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds. C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E‑Verify participating employers. AA/EEO/Drug‑Free Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr