Associate Category Manager (Equipment)

Topco Associates • Itasca, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Topco Associates is seeking an Associate Category Manager to join its Indirect Spend team in Quincy, Massachusetts. This hybrid role is based in the Quincy office three days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely two days per week. The position supports members’ store supply and packaging needs within Third Party Supply Distribution and manages a complex, high-value category. It combines strategic planning and hands-on execution, including developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, analyzing data, negotiating, and understanding customer needs to deliver tailored solutions that improve operational efficiency and financial performance.

The Associate Category Manager develops category strategies and business plans, leads competitive sourcing and supplier negotiations, evaluates category and supplier performance, and identifies opportunities to improve cost, programs, and member value. The role works closely with suppliers, member-owners, and internal teams to support category growth and business priorities. Travel to member locations, supplier facilities, and industry events may be required as business needs dictate.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in category management, purchasing, strategic sourcing, procurement, or a related business function.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate data into meaningful business recommendations.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing business relationships.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting indirect spend or procurement categories.
• Experience with refrigerants or equipment.
• Experience in grocery, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), foodservice, wholesale, or distribution industries.
• Experience using Salesforce, Tableau, Fastmarkets, or similar business intelligence and market reporting platforms.
• Experience presenting business recommendations to customers, leadership teams, or executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned indirect spend categories, including Third Party Supply Distribution, to support sales growth, member participation, profitability, and supplier performance.
• Develop category strategies, objectives, and action plans aligned with member needs and business priorities.
• Lead competitive RFPs, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and incumbent business reviews.
• Prepare forecasts, analyze market conditions, and recommend sourcing or procurement strategies that maximize value for members.
• Lead supplier selection, award recommendations, and implementation activities.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation initiatives, and value-added services.
• Evaluate category performance and identify opportunities to improve programs, introduce products or services, and enhance member value.
• Monitor industry, competitive, and consumer trends to support category decisions and long-term planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, volume incentives, and contract terms that support member savings and business objectives.
• Evaluate supplier performance, strengthen supplier partnerships, and implement corrective actions when needed.
• Explore alternative sourcing and distribution strategies to improve cost efficiencies and supply reliability.
• Ensure execution of program requirements, reporting obligations, pricing structures, and contractual commitments.
• Understand member-owner needs and recommend category solutions that support their business goals.
• Communicate market insights, pricing trends, and data-driven insights to support informed decisions.
• Present category strategies, business updates, and market analyses to member groups and internal stakeholders.
• Build credibility through responsive communication and a customer-focused approach that encourages participation in Topco programs.
• Analyze sales performance, purchasing trends, supplier data, and market intelligence to support business decisions.
• Develop cost analyses, business cases, and recommendations to help members optimize purchasing decisions.
• Measure category performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, profitability, and member engagement.
• Support reporting and presentations with clear, data-driven insights.
• Partner with Operations, Member Services, Finance, and other internal teams to execute category initiatives.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects that improve programs, processes, and the member experience.
• Travel to member locations, supplier facilities, and industry events as business needs require.
• Work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Benefits

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with PPO and HDHP options.
• Health Savings Account.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Annual flexible spending accounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive 401(k) match.
• Generous paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level