Category Manager

CERTCO INC • Fitchburg, WI

3h • Onsite

About The Position

An opportunity like this does not come around often at Certco. We are excited to open recruitment for a Category Manager position—an impactful role that plays a key part in shaping product strategy, driving sales performance, and supporting the independent grocers we serve across the Midwest. At Certco, we are more than a wholesale distributor—we are a trusted partner to independent grocery retailers and the communities they serve. This role offers the chance to make meaningful business decisions, build strong vendor partnerships, and directly influence category growth and profitability. If you are analytical, strategic, and passionate about driving results, this is a rare opportunity to step into a role where your work truly makes an impact. This role is special because it's a rare opening, a strategic role with direct influence on category performance, offers opportunity to build strong vendor relationships and drive business results, involves working with a collaborative team across Procurement, Marketing, and Merchandising, and is part of a company that supports independent grocers and local communities. At Certco, we take pride in building strong relationships—with our employees, our retailers, and our communities. Our team members play an essential role in helping independent grocers succeed and keeping communities stocked with the products they rely on every day. This is an opportunity to join a stable, growing organization where your contributions are valued and your work makes a meaningful difference.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in category management, procurement, negotiation, or a related field
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
• Ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• 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
• 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 forecasting/planning systems
• Superior analytical skills
• Detail oriented
• Ability to navigate in a fast-paced work environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies to drive sales growth and meet financial goals
• Analyze consumer and market data to identify trends and opportunities
• Manage SKU performance to drive topline sales, revenue and meet financial budgets
• Optimize product assortments
• Partner with vendors to improve pricing, funding, and service quality
• Lead category optimization projects and merchandising initiatives
• Collaborate with Buyers and Retail Counselors to expand product offerings
• Launch new products and ensure successful execution
• Develop seasonal and promotional programs to drive incremental sales
• Visit stores to gain insights and improve category performance
• Build strong relationships across departments and vendor partners
• 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
• 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
• Demonstrates consistent punctuality and adheres to all requirements of the company’s Attendance Policy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees