Category Operations Mgr, Charlotte NC Area
About The Position
The Category Operations Manager supports and executes US Foods’ division category strategy across a defined Area, including multiple Distribution Centers. The role implements recommended assortment changes, supports positive local vendor relationships, and helps Area and DC sales staff with assortment updates, product information, and merchandising goals. It also addresses local customer requirements while keeping them aligned with national strategies. The position develops and executes Area-specific category implementation plans, analyzes assortment performance and local market conditions, identifies growth opportunities, and supports profitable sales growth. It facilitates product training and introductions, works with culinary and sales teams to identify account opportunities, supports FSQA inquiries and vendor issues, and assists with major Area-specific customer bids and onboarding. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
- Four-year college degree in business or a related field, or equivalent field experience.
- Minimum of 7 years of category management experience.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple groups within a matrix organization.
- Ability to work in a team setting, drive organizational transformations, and support change management.
- Ability to provide fact-based recommendations across management levels to gain buy-in and improve category performance.
- Self-directed and highly motivated, with strong business acumen, sound interpersonal skills, and excellent presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Working knowledge of PowerPoint.
Nice To Haves
- Project management experience.
- Category management experience in the food service or food manufacturing industries.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Access.
Responsibilities
- Develop category strategy implementation plans customized for multiple Distribution Centers and aligned with overall US Foods strategy, goals, and Area needs.
- Review Area product assortment and assess product penetration, slow- or dead-moving SKUs, and growth opportunities.
- Drive profitable sales growth within assigned categories for the Area.
- Request exception SKUs as needed, determine DWOs, and create conversion plans.
- Align Area assortment with US Foods category strategy, reduce SKU duplication, and meet local customer needs in alignment with national strategies.
- Gather local market data and trends for multiple DCs using feedback and intelligence from culinary teams, sales staff, and vendor partners.
- Report new product opportunities and provide competitor information; finalize Area assortment, core complement, and exception SKUs.
- Facilitate product training and new product introductions with DSS, Specialists, and sales staff, ensuring product and brand messaging aligns with US Foods strategy.
- Work with the culinary team and conduct planning meetings to identify accounts, categories, and potential opportunities.
- Support and facilitate FSQA inquiries through appropriate procedures and work with the Region team on national or regional vendor issues.
- Support major Area-specific account bids through thorough analysis, coordinate customer onboarding, and keep sales staff informed of category strategy.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Pre-tax spending accounts
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life insurance
- Potential incentive compensation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
