Category Manager

Category Manager Location: Los Angeles, CA 90058 (On-Site) About the Opportunity A fast-growing foodservice distribution company is seeking a Category Manager to help drive the expansion of several high‑impact product categories across its California distribution network. This is a newly created role due to growth and offers the opportunity to build, optimize, and scale product categories while partnering closely with executive leadership. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in category management, merchandising, or procurement within foodservice distribution and thrives in a hands‑on environment where strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, and category growth are key priorities. Key Responsibilities Own the strategy, profitability, and growth of assigned product categories Develop sourcing strategies and build strong vendor partnerships Lead pricing negotiations, rebate programs, and supplier agreements Evaluate supplier performance and hold vendors accountable to service, quality, and pricing standards Analyze category performance, margins, inventory turns, and market trends Conduct SKU rationalization and assortment optimization initiatives Identify growth opportunities through new products, market trends, and customer demand Partner closely with sales, operations, and warehouse teams to drive category success Create and deliver product presentations, business reviews, and category recommendations to leadership What We're Looking For Required Qualifications 8+ years of category management, purchasing, merchandising, or procurement experience within foodservice distribution Strong expertise in at least one major category such as frozen, dry grocery, dairy, refrigerated, deli, protein, or specialty food products Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs Proven track record of vendor negotiations, category growth, and strategic sourcing Strong analytical, presentation, and communication skills Competitive, results‑driven mindset with the ability to influence vendors and stakeholders Preferred Qualifications Experience with Power BI Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field Existing supplier relationships and strong market knowledge Experience growing categories within independent or regional distributors Ideal Background Built and expanded categories from the ground up Strong supplier networks and product expertise Merchandising experience rather than pure replenishment experience A history of increasing profitability through pricing, negotiations, and assortment strategy Experience working within entrepreneurial, privately held, or regional distribution environments Compensation and Benefits Determining compensation for this role depends upon a wide array of factors including individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certification requirements, office location, and other geographic considerations. Salary range is disclosed per local law, and the individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as participation in the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Equal Opportunity Notice Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr