Category and Purchasing Manager

East Bank Club•Chicago, IL

2d•$90,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Market Category and Purchasing Manager is responsible for the end-to-end performance of the Market’s retail categories within the East Bank Club. Reporting directly to the Director of Food & Beverage and working in partnership with Market and Culinary leadership, this role drives innovation, profitability, and member satisfaction through ownership of product assortment, purchasing, pricing, merchandising, and promotional strategy. This role is accountable for sales growth, margin performance, and in-store execution, ensuring the Market delivers a high-quality, curated experience aligned with East Bank Club’s luxury positioning and Live Well philosophy. Compensation: $90,000-105,000 annually

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a curated product assortment aligned with member preferences, luxury positioning, and evolving market trends.
Balance “better-for-you” and indulgent offerings to support East Bank Club’s Live Well philosophy.
Partner with Culinary and Nutrition teams to develop and refine grab-and-go, fit meals, and fresh offerings.
Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and assortment gaps.
Monitor category performance using key metrics and implement strategies to optimize sales, profitability, and member satisfaction.
Develop and execute pricing strategies that balance profitability with member value perception.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure quality products and favorable terms.
Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Market General Manager to manage inventory levels and control costs.
Resolve procurement-related issues with vendors, departments, or staff.
Lead and manage all staff within the Purchasing Department, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
Coordinate with vendors and internal teams on product placement, in-store displays, and merchandising support for new or seasonal products.
Maintain accurate inventory records, POS systems, and reporting tools to ensure reliable data for decision-making.
Ensure proper organization and condition of storage facilities and receiving areas.
Conduct regular merchandising and product quality walks to ensure standards of presentation, freshness, and availability.
Work closely with the Market management team to support daily operations as needed.
Support cross-departmental initiatives, promotions, and member events.
Develop and execute a promotional calendar in partnership with Marketing, Culinary, and Market leadership.
Drive in-store activations, seasonal programs, and product launches to increase traffic and basket size.
Support member events and cross-departmental initiatives through strategic product offerings.
Evaluate promotional effectiveness and adjust strategies based on performance data and member feedback.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the Market and F&B department.
Support cross-departmental initiatives and club-wide programming.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Food & Beverage.