Category Manager

Responsibilities Support and execute the implementation of the division category strategy across the defined Area. Execute recommended assortment changes and support local vendor relationships for all distribution centers (DCs) within the Area. Support Area and DC sales staff with product assortment updates, informational inquiries and delivery of merchandising goals for all DCs within the Area. Support all local customer requirements within the defined Area in line with national strategies from the Center. Develop an implementation plan for the category strategy customized for multiple DCs. Ensure implementation aligns with the overall US Foods category strategy, goals, and defined Area needs. Review the assigned Area product assortment and assess product penetration, identify slow or dead SKUs as well as growth opportunities. Responsible for profitable sales growth within assigned categories for the Area. Request exception SKUs as needed to finalize the Area assortment, determine DWOs, and create conversion plans. Ensure the Area assortment aligns with the US Foods category strategy and work to reduce SKU duplication. Ensure local customer needs are met in alignment with national strategies. Maintain lead role in gathering local market data for multiple DCs in the assigned Area (including trends) through feedback from the culinary team, sales staff, and vendor partners. Report new product opportunities and provide data on competitors. Finalize the Area assortment and core complement and exception SKUs. Facilitate product training and new product introductions with DSS, Specialists and sales staff. Ensure product/brand messaging aligns with the overall USF strategy. Work with the culinary team to conduct planning meetings to identify accounts and categories and their potential opportunities. Support and facilitate all FSQA inquiries for the assigned Area through appropriate procedures and coordinate with the Region team on national or regional vendor issues. Support major Area-specific account bids through thorough analysis, coordinate customer onboarding, and keep sales staff informed of ongoing category strategy. Supervision None Relationships Internal: Regional, Area and Distribution Center staff, up to and including members of the leadership team. External: Customers, vendors, suppliers and all national/local food brokers. Qualifications Education/Training: Four-year college degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required. Related Experience: Minimum 7 years category management experience required, with some project management experience preferred, ideally from the food service or food manufacturing industries. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must possess the ability to operate successfully within a matrix organization, working effectively with multiple groups. Must be able to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations and support change management within the organization. Must be able to provide fact-based recommendations across a variety of management levels resulting in buy-in and improvement in category performance. Must be self-directed and highly motivated, possessing a strong business acumen, interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; working knowledge of PowerPoint is required; working knowledge of Microsoft Access is a plus. This role may also receive annual incentive plan bonus. Benefits Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please visit the official benefits page. Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law. The expected base rate for this role is between $75,000 - $120,000. EEO EOE – Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status #J-18808-Ljbffr