Category Manager - Deli & Bakery

CERTCO INC•Fitchburg, WI

17h•Onsite

About The Position

A rare opportunity to shape high-impact categories at Certco, Inc. We are excited to open recruitment for a Category Manager – Bakery & Deli, a key role responsible for driving strategy, growth, and profitability within two of our most dynamic product categories. Opportunities like this do not come around often at Certco. This role offers the chance to directly influence category performance, build strong vendor partnerships, and support independent grocers across the Midwest. If you are analytical, strategic, and passionate about food categories that drive customer engagement and margin, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This role offers the chance to directly influence category performance, build strong vendor partnerships, and support independent grocers across the Midwest. At Certco, we are proud to support independent grocery retailers and the communities they serve. Our team plays a vital role in ensuring stores have the right products at the right time to meet customer needs. This is an opportunity to join a stable, growing organization where your work directly impacts business success and customer experience.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in category management, procurement, or a related field
Experience working with food categories, preferably Bakery, Deli, or perishable products
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis
Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Ability to analyze and develop accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data
An understanding of the market and consumer insights and trends
Knowledge of category management, and sales principles
Understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods
Strong people management and persuasion skills to manage and influence at all levels of the company
An analytical mind with strategic ability
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Consumer focused by placing the consumer at the center of the business development decision
Take ownership and holds themselves accountable for decisions results and overall performance of their category
Proficiency in MS Excel and forecasting/planning systems
Must have superior analytical skills, be detail oriented and have the ability to navigate in a fast-paced work environment.
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
3-5 years of industry experience in category management, procurement, negotiation and/or related experience in a field with similar essential job duties.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field preferred
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Develop category strategies to drive sales, margin, and overall performance
Analyze consumer trends, market data, and product performance
Manage SKU assortment, pricing, and promotional planning
Partner with vendors to improve cost, quality, and service levels
Lead category optimization and merchandising initiatives
Collaborate with Buyers and Retail Counselors to support retail growth
Launch new products and ensure strong execution
Develop seasonal and promotional programs aligned with consumer demand
Visit stores to gain insights and improve category performance
Build strong relationships across internal teams and vendor partners
Manage SKU performance to drive topline sales, revenue and meet financial budgets.
Analyze data and insights to determine industry and consumer trends regarding the product and category
Develop strategic data modeling tools and database, develop, and recommend product, assortments, placements, layouts, pricing, and promotional profitability
Manage vendor funding to maximize sales and profitability
Build and drive relationships with key vendors to improve pricing and quality of service
Lead category management projects to optimize assortments and related merchandising
Collaborate with Buyers and Retail Counselors to expand product categories
Ensure new items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate execution
Educate customers and sales team on consumer, business insights and merchandising techniques
Adjust sales plan based on shopper and customer trends
Create seasonal programs to capitalize on incremental sales and lime time availability
Develop strong working relationships with Purchasing, Marketing and Merchandising items
Visit stores to gain further insight on the performance of sales programs
Demonstrates consistent punctuality and adheres to all requirements of the company’s Attendance Policy.