Category Buyer - Bakery

GSO • Greensboro, NC

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Fresh Market is hiring a Category Buyer for its Bakery category at the Store Support Center. The role supports the creation, development, execution, and financial performance of an assigned category. The Category Buyer promotes the category portfolio to maximize consumer appeal, increase sales and profitability, and drive sustainable growth. The position works with distributors and cross-functional partners on demand planning, procurement, product lifecycle management, and category performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 4–7+ years of Category Management or related experience.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the grocery business and its systems and processes.
• Experience understanding consumer demand in a fast-paced retail or grocery environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with peers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong merchandising, product, and marketing skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel for trade shows and store trips.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated skills with MS Office applications.
• Project management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience using Nielsen and/or IRI.
• Experience with MicroStrategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop SKU-level demand plans by analyzing sales trends, promotions, vendor agreements, and presentation minimums.
• Collaborate with distributors to improve service levels and negotiate product costs, vendor funds, and non-resale goods costs.
• Manage category product procurement, allocation, and in-store inventory targets.
• Ensure the accuracy of cost data in the database.
• Collaborate with Retail Category Management and Private Label Brands on forecasting new items, transitions, and discontinuations.
• Track new product sales and build historical data for future launches.
• Travel for trade shows and store trips as needed.

Benefits

• Team member discount up to 40%.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available for individuals, spouses, partners, and families.
• 401(k) contribution and match for part-time and full-time team members.
• Personal time off.
• Additional time-off purchase plans.

What This Job Offers

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