Category Manager

Category Manager – Food & Beverage ManufacturingLocation: Joliet, IllinoisCompensation: $87,000 - $98,000Industry: Food & Beverage ManufacturingPosition OverviewReady to own a category, drive growth, and make a measurable impact on the business?We are seeking a Category Manager to lead category strategy, profitability, product performance, and market growth within a fast-paced food & beverage manufacturing environment. This role will work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Operations, Finance, and Product Development to identify opportunities, optimize the portfolio, and strengthen the company's competitive position.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute strategic category plans aligned with company growth and profitability objectives.Analyze market trends, consumer insights, competitive activity, pricing, and category performance.Identify opportunities for revenue growth, margin improvement, innovation, and portfolio optimization.Manage category budgets, forecasts, sales performance, and profitability.Partner with Sales and Marketing to develop category strategies, promotional programs, and go-to-market initiatives.Evaluate product assortment and make recommendations regarding new products, product rationalization, pricing, and positioning.Collaborate with R&D and Product Development teams on innovation and new product launches.Work closely with Procurement and Supply Chain to understand costs, availability, sourcing, and supplier performance.Monitor KPIs and provide actionable recommendations to senior leadership.Conduct competitive and customer analysis to identify emerging opportunities and risks.Develop presentations and business reviews for internal leadership and key customers.Support customer-specific category initiatives and strategic account planning.Track promotional effectiveness and recommend adjustments to maximize ROI.Lead cross-functional projects designed to improve category performance and profitability.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Food Science, or a related field preferred.3+ years of category management, product management, sales, marketing, or related experience.Experience within food, beverage, CPG, or consumer products manufacturing strongly preferred.Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable business strategies.Experience with pricing, forecasting, market analysis, and profitability management.Strong understanding of consumer and market trends.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data-analysis tools; experience with BI platforms is a plus.Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.Ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.Strong commercial mindset with a focus on growth, profitability, and results.What You'll BringThe ideal candidate is a strategic, commercially minded category leader who can connect market intelligence, customer needs, product performance, and financial results.You'll have the opportunity to influence category direction, uncover untapped growth opportunities, and work across the organization to turn insights into action.All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.