Associate Category Manager | Meat
About The Position
The Associate Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth within assigned category(s) for AWG and its Members. This role partners cross-functionally within the organization and collaborates closely with supplier partners to execute category strategies and achieve shared business objectives. The Associate Category Manager owns item-level decision-making within assigned categories, including product assortment, promotional planning, pricing strategies, vendor negotiations, shelf placement recommendations, procurement optimization, and item-derived income opportunities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring category programs remain competitive, aligned with market trends, and focused on delivering quality products at the best possible cost. There are no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field preferred.
- Related experience in retail, merchandising, category management, supply chain, procurement, or business operations preferred.
- Advanced analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills with strong attention to detail.
- Strong proficiency in Google Workspace applications and Microsoft Office Applications, such as Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in AWG systems preferred
- Ability to analyze and interpret complex data sets to support business decisions.
- Effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to influence and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, operations, category management, and financial principles.
- Minimal travel required (less than 10%).
- Travel will include visits to AWG Member retail locations, distribution centers, supplier partner locations, and industry or trade-related events.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel requirements.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies and initiatives that support sales growth and profitability goals.
- Build and maintain comprehensive expertise in our products and categories, including market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity.
- Analyze category performance data to identify opportunities for growth, optimization, and operational efficiencies.
- Conduct regular category reviews to evaluate assortment, performance, pricing, and promotional effectiveness.
- Develop sales-driving programs that balance corporate objectives with market and Member flexibility.
- Manage vendor relationships, negotiations, and funding opportunities to maximize category performance and profitability.
- Support pricing, promotional planning, product mix, and assortment decisions within assigned categories.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Procurement, Accounting, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
- Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging products to maintain relevant and innovative category offerings.
- Ensure efficient and profitable procurement practices while maintaining service and quality standards.
- Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, supplier partners, and AWG Members regarding category strategies and initiatives.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
- 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Wellness Program
- Yearly Holiday Bonus
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
