Category Manager - Foodservice

PFG | Performance Good Group

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Category Manager manages customer relations, purchasing, and financial management for assigned product categories to achieve maximum profits and customer satisfaction. The role coordinates vendor and distributor buying, selling, and merchandising efforts to support profitable sales, customer satisfaction, strong in-stock percentages, inventory turns, and days accounts payable outstanding. This position works on-site in Oakwood, Georgia, and directly supervises a team of 4–5 buyers. It partners with customers, vendors, management, warehouse personnel, and teams across Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Transportation, Information Services, Inbound Freight Traffic, and Purchasing. The position also performs other duties as assigned to serve the company.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent experience.
• 4–6 years of foodservice distribution and purchasing experience.
• Strong understanding of the buying role and food purchasing.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to coach, mentor, and train others.
• Ability to support the sales team with product and supplier research, purchasing possibilities, pricing, negotiation, and solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related area.
• Food industry or foodservice distribution category management experience.
• Food buying or buyer experience.
• At least 4–6 years of related experience.
• Leadership experience giving direction to other buyers.
• Foodservice or food distribution background.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate product lines, programs, and pricing on an ongoing basis to identify opportunities for changes or to maximize supplier relationships.
• Provide direction, support, and guidance to the purchasing team and buyers on service levels, out-of-stocks, expiration issues, aged inventory, EOQ, days on hand, and best buying practices.
• Conduct quarterly supplier meetings to discuss opportunities, new items or assortment changes, current performance, programs, and gaps.
• Support the sales team of more than 150 by researching products, suppliers, and pricing, and negotiating deals to remain competitive.
• Take ownership of aged inventory and find timely solutions.
• Work with Sales, Finance, and Marketing to identify key sales-growth opportunities.
• Coordinate vendor and distributor buying, selling, and merchandising efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Day 1 health and wellness benefits
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401(k) employer matching
• Education assistance
• Paid time off
• Growth opportunities
• Safe and inclusive working environment with a culture of rewards, recognition, and respect

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED