Senior Category Manager - Deli

Sprouts Farmers Market • Phoenix, AZ

15d

About The Position

The Senior Category Manager – Deli is responsible for leading all aspects of product strategy, assortment, and execution for the Deli department with oversight from the Vice President of Deli. This role requires deep product knowledge, vendor management expertise, and a customer-first mindset. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, thrives on driving innovation, has desires to grow into greater leadership roles, and excels at building creative go-to-market strategies that differentiate our Deli offering and customer experience.
This position oversees deli product categories end-to-end, including pricing, placement, and promotional strategy. The Senior Category Manager must be skilled in negotiations, analytics, product knowledge, store operations, and distribution, while working seamlessly with cross-functional teams to ensure flawless execution and business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, with 5+ years of Category Management experience preferred
• Proven experience in vendor management, negotiations, and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong understanding of store operations, distribution, and supply chain processes.
• Highly analytical with expertise in P&L management, pricing strategy, and financial planning.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and driving results.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Some travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and customer excitement within the Deli department.
• Maintain deep knowledge of deli products, trends, and customer preferences to ensure a fresh, innovative, and competitive assortment.
• Drive the category review process with cross-functional teams, keeping product offerings relevant and compelling.
• Establish and manage vendor and broker relationships, negotiating effectively to secure favorable costs, terms, and support programs.
• Collaborate with Sprouts Brand and Marketing teams to develop private label products, promotional campaigns, and in-store programs that align with department goals.
• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to inform pricing, promotional strategies, and placement decisions.
• Create clear, actionable merchandising directives and promotional plans for Operations and stores to execute successfully.
• Partner with Distribution and Supply Chain to manage inventory flow, ensuring strong in-stock performance while minimizing spoilage.
• Oversee deli marketing plans, including weekly ads, in-store signage, and digital support, to ensure alignment with brand standards.
• Develop and deliver training materials to build store-level expertise in product knowledge, merchandising, and execution.
• Maintain a customer-first focus by addressing store and customer issues promptly and ensuring exceptional product quality standards.
• Stay ahead of competitive trends, emerging brands, and industry innovations to keep Sprouts’ Deli program cutting-edge.
• Mentor and coach Category Managers, Analysts, and Specialists to elevate team capabilities and department performance.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and company standards for food safety, freshness, sanitation, and quality.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health
• Vacation accrual plan
• Opportunities for career growth
• 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts
• Flexible schedules
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
• Company paid life insurance
• Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!
• Bonus based on company and/or individual performance
• Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Company paid short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
• Paid holidays
• DailyPay - access earned wages before payday

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior