Category Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Category Manager based in the United States.

This role is responsible for shaping and executing short- and long-term sourcing strategies across assigned non-consumable product categories. You will own category performance, supplier strategy, pricing, product assortment, and lifecycle management across business segments including Grocery, Food Service, Janitorial, and food processing. The position combines strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, market intelligence, profitability optimization, and product development. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and domestic and international suppliers to identify opportunities for growth, cost improvement, and competitive differentiation. The role also provides an opportunity to influence private-label development and sustainable product initiatives. This is a fully remote position suited to an experienced category professional comfortable managing complex supplier relationships and frequent travel.

Accountabilities:

• Own the overall performance, strategy, and health of assigned product categories, including short- and long-term plans covering a 2-4 year horizon.
• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies across assigned non-consumable product categories.
• Build strategic relationships with domestic and international suppliers to support profitable growth and optimize product performance throughout the lifecycle.
• Manage product mix, vendor selection, pricing guidance, private-label opportunities, and sustainable product initiatives.
• Develop deep category and market expertise, monitoring market trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and manufacturer production schedules.
• Leverage market intelligence to validate costs, benchmark competitive pricing, and identify opportunities to improve category profitability.
• Develop "Best Value" product opportunities focused on performance, customer acceptance, continuous improvement, and competitive positioning.
• Develop pricing policies and negotiate vendor programs and best-cost arrangements to improve product positioning and margins.
• Rationalize and consolidate product lines to improve inventory turns and create volume-based cost improvement opportunities.
• Manage ongoing supplier relationships and execute supplier performance initiatives in collaboration with internal business partners.
• Manage multiple category projects and initiatives, meeting established timelines and providing proactive status updates.
• Establish clear category ownership and alignment across internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner with sales teams on special product requirements, costing, go-to-market strategies, and new product implementation.
• Identify and recommend new packaging products and solutions as market opportunities emerge.
• Assess contractual, operational, financial, and business risks associated with category and supplier decisions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Category Management or a relevant business function.
• Proven experience developing and executing both short- and long-term category strategies.
• Strong import procurement experience preferred.
• Distribution industry experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of marketing and sales principles.
• Demonstrated strength in negotiation and supplier management.
• Knowledge of raw materials used in food service, janitorial, and food processor packaging is preferred.
• Existing relationships with packaging material manufacturers are a plus.
• Strong ability to create collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across multifunctional teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to establish credibility quickly at all organizational levels.
• Ability to develop strategic recommendations and drive their adoption across functions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage 25-35% overnight travel, including at least one consecutive two-week international trip per year and periodic overnight travel to the corporate location in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Candidates should ideally be located near a major hub location with convenient airport access. Example hubs include St. Louis, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas, Kansas City, and Los Angeles.

Benefits:

• Fully remote position within the United States.
• Salary range of $100,000-$145,000, plus bonus, depending on education, experience, and location.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees and eligible dependents, generally beginning the first day of the month after 30 days of employment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of $0.75 per $1.00 contributed, up to 6% of eligible pay, available after 30 days.
• Paid time off, including 10 vacation days and 2 personal days annually, prorated in the first year based on hire date.
• 40 hours of annual sick pay, or 56 hours annually for employees hired in Washington in accordance with applicable state law.
• 6 paid national holidays and 2 floating holidays.
• Leave provided as required by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
• Ongoing application acceptance.
• Opportunity to work across sourcing, category strategy, supplier management, product development, pricing, and profitability initiatives.
• Exposure to domestic and international supplier networks and cross-functional business teams.