Category & Vendor Development Manager
About The Position
TSN is seeking a commercially minded Category & Vendor Development Manager to drive profitable growth through strategic supplier partnerships, category management, pricing strategy, and product portfolio development. This role will own product sourcing, vendor relationships, category performance, pricing, and margin management across a diverse product portfolio. The ideal candidate understands wholesale distribution, buys products for resale, negotiates supplier programs, and can identify opportunities to expand product offerings and grow the business. Initially an individual contributor role, this position is expected to evolve into a leadership opportunity responsible for hiring, developing, and leading a small team.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, marketing, finance, management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- 7+ years of experience in wholesale distribution, foodservice distribution, convenience-store distribution, or a similar buy/resell environment.
- Experience purchasing products for resale.
- Proven success negotiating supplier costs, contracts, rebates, promotional funding, and vendor agreements.
- Manage product categories, product portfolios, or supplier programs with responsibility for inventory, profitability, and business performance required.
- Set, influence, or manage sell pricing, margin targets, category profitability, or pricing strategy.
- Strong understanding of category management, assortment planning, inventory management, and vendor performance.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, margins, sales trends, and category performance to make business decisions.
- Led cross-functional projects and driving process improvements that improve profitability, efficiency, or customer experience.
- Previous people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, or developing employees.
- Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel as well as Power BI, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, AS400, Oracle, or other business analytics and ERP platforms.
Responsibilities
- Manage product categories and supplier relationships.
- Source new products and identify portfolio growth opportunities.
- Negotiate supplier costs, rebates, terms, and vendor programs.
- Develop pricing strategies that support sales growth and margin targets.
- Analyze category performance, profitability, and market trends.
- Partner with sales, operations, and finance to support business growth.
- Drive process improvements and develop scalable category management practices.
- Build supplier scorecards, business reviews, and performance metrics.
- Influence the strategic direction of the business and foster the development of future category management leaders.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days
- Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
- 401K with generous company match
- Any leave required under federal, state, or local law, as applicable, such as leave under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
